Vintage Softball Carnival Hawaii
March 2008 Newsletter
Time, as it always does, is moving on and we are now only 13 months from the 2nd World Vintage Softball Carnival to be played in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii between April 19 and April 26, 2009.
Team entries have been flowing in and we are pleased to welcome back some of our old friends and to also welcome a good number of new ones.
The Vintage Softball Carnival is about playing softball against teams from other parts of the world and partying with them after the game is over. There is still time to enter and to enjoy the special enjoyment of a truly international, competitive, fun softball Carnival.
Already we have teams and players from New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada, England, Ireland and now is the time to finalise your own plans particularly as numbers are starting to climb and in the end there may need to be limits on the number of teams entered.
Don’t forget all teams that enter prior to June 30, 2008 qualify for Early Entry Bonuses. Check out what is on offer further on in this newsletter.
This issue updates entries received, answers a few queries that have arisen and gives some general information about our accommodation options, Hawaii and some of the teams planning to make the trip.
Regards
Dianne McDermott
Vintage Softball Carnival Organiser
So read on, enjoy our latest newsletter and take the opportunity to
Let the Love of Softball take you to Paradise
Dianne McDermott
Vintage Softball Office
Level 1, 250 Mahurangi East Rd
PO Box 78, Snells Beach 0942, New Zealand
Telephone: ( 64) 9 425 5294
Facsimile: ( 64) 9 425 6956
Email: Dianne@vintagesoftball.com
Website: www.vintagesoftball.com
Teams Planning to be in Hawaii:
Early entries have been received from the following teams:
- Aussie Mozzies, Queensland, Australia
- Bets Vets, Queensland, Australia
- Blue Thunder Down Under, New South Wales, Australia
- California Mudcats, California, USA
- Casey MVPs, Victoria, Australia
- DJM Masters Womens, Mt Isa, Australia
- DJM Masters Mens, Mt Isa, Australia
- He Maumahara Softball Team, North Harbour, New Zealand
- Jaguars, Queensland, Australia
- Lightning Strikes, Queensland, Australia
- Public Missiles, Auckland, New Zealand
- Redbacks Womens, Queensland, Australia
- Redbacks Mens, Queensland, Australia
- Redsox Ramblers, Queensland, Australia
- Rossini's Masters, British Columbia, Canada
- Seajades, Queensland, Australia
- Slammers, New Hampshire, USA
- SOS Rusty Studs, Alberta, Canada
- Southerns Masters, Western Australia, Australia
- The Cruisers, New South Wales, Australia
- Ol Skool, Florida, USA
- Sydney Old Stars, New South Wales, Australia
- Klingons, Porirua, New Zealand
Indications of entries have been received from:
- Powersquad International, Canada
- Wild Rovers, Ireland
- Bula Force Softball, Republic of Palau
- Grand Hustle, California, USA
Plenty of others have shown positive interest with teams from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England indicating their intention of joining us in Hawaii. So if you are intending to be part of the 2nd World Vintage Softball Carnival why not enter now and secure your place and also enjoy the Early Entry Bonuses. Why not Enter Now….just click here for Fast Pitch and click here for Slow Pitch to make sure you will be part of the fun.
Look Who Is Coming to the Carnival
Among our latest entries is the Ol' Skool team, based out of Miami, FL with players formerly from New York City. They will be making the cross country trip for the 1st time as a team. The team is run and sponsored by Minotaur Partners a New York Based Credit Rescoring company solely owned and operated by twin brother’s Albert and John Nuñez. The team is in it’s 3rd year of playing together in ASA leagues and tournaments in South Florida.
This is how they describe themselves - We are a team with a lot of heart we play by the simple rule that “Hard Work Beats Talent, When Talent Fails to work hard!!” Ol’Skool is an institution we are friends, relatives, business associates and at the end of the day we are a family. We are looking forward to making the trip with our friends and family and look forward to making new friends and some great memories. We are counting down the days and are ready. The excitement levels are those of a child waiting for Christmas day.
We are dedicating this trip to our fallen brother Frank Medina who passed away last winter.
Ol’skool softball club inc. sponsored by Minotaur Partners
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Wonderful Waikiki
The accommodation being used for the 2nd World Vintage Softball Carnival is all situated in close proximity of world renowned Waikiki Beach.
This is a two mile stretch of coast fronted by hotels and tourism related facilities and beautiful Kapiolani Park.
World-famous Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Known in Hawaiian as "spouting waters," Waikiki was introduced to the world when its first hotel, the Moana Surfrider, was built on its shores in 1901.
Today, Waikiki is a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue you'll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and hospitality.
At legendary Waikiki Beach, a statue of Hawaiian hero Duke Kahanamoku welcomes you with open arms. Regarded as the "Father of modern surfing," Duke grew up and surfed in Waikiki during the turn of the century. Discovered as a swimming sensation, Duke won Olympic gold medals in the 100 meter freestyle in 1912 and 1920. Duke later went on to act in Hollywood and used his fame to spread the popularity of surfing and the spirit of aloha around the world.
From Hawaiian royalty to Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, Waikiki continues to be an evolving expression of the ancient spirit of aloha. On these famous shores, the past and the future are uniting in fresh and surprising ways.
There is plenty to do and enjoy at delightful Waikiki-swimming, surfing, snorkeling, sunbathing, canoeing, sailing and relaxing. Great restaurants, bars and shopping adjoin Waikiki Beach and all this is in close proximity to the 2nd World Vintage Softball Carnival Hotels. Don't forget to get your entry in early and make sure you reserve the hotel accommodation that you prefer. To enter and reserve your accommodation…just click here for Fast Pitch and click here for Slow Pitch.
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Questions and Answers
We have received a number of queries and questions from teams already entered and those intending to enter. Maybe the following will help you to confirm your decision.
Can we bring our families and friends? Of course, we have a number of teams already entered who are bringing their families and we are pleased to arrange special accommodation and prices for children and for non-players. All you need to do is to let us know of family, friend and supporter requirements as you enter.
Do we have to take accommodation packages? No not necessarily though it is recommended. We do have a non-accommodation package available for those who wish to arrange their own but there are some difficulties that arise-our transport arrangements are for the Carnival Accommodation and those taking their own accommodation will also need to arrange their own transfers. We recommend that teams use the Carnival Accommodation as staying amongst other Softball teams from all over the world creates camaraderie and friendship. The prices we have been able to negotiate are favourable and all Carnival Hotels will be serviced with Carnival notice boards, transport and information updates. But the answer is no-you don't have to take the full Carnival Accommodation Package.
Do players have to be over 35? Yes but we have already agreed to allow teams to have one or two players under 35 to ensure that they are able to field a team. In those instances, the teams acknowledge that players under 35 who are permitted to play do so in the true spirit of Vintage Softball-fun and friendly competition on the diamond and fun and friendship off it. So we only allow players under 35 where they are required to complete a team roster where the team may be short of one or two.
Do teams have to bring umpires and scorers? It is not compulsory for teams to bring umpires and scorers but they will be very welcome and in all likelihood required during what is going to be quite a good-sized Tournament. The local Association are going to assist with provision of umpires and scorers but hopefully a good number of teams will bring their own.
Are there plenty of teams to play both Slow Pitch and Fast Pitch? Yes. Indications are that we will have the full number of teams in both Slow and Fast Pitch in all categories-mens, womens and co-ed (Slow Pitch). It also looks very likely that we will have enough teams to ensure that they are able to play teams in their age brackets.
Can we arrive early and stay longer? Absolutely and we can assist with your arrangements if you wish. We have access to good rates for accommodation and can make your bookings if you wish. Please note that early arrival and longer stay does not effect your transfer arrangements. We will meet your team upon arrival at Hawaii International Airport whenever you arrive and similarly we will make sure you are transferred back to the Airport for your departure.
Can we use the Carnival logo? Yes-if you wish to use the Carnival logo on your uniform or in any information you prepare for promotion of your team coming to the Carnival, please feel free. Email Roger Carroll here and let him know what format you need the logo in and he’ll get straight back to you.
Can we have our own sponsors displayed on our uniforms and publicity? Yes-of course. We have no problems with team sponsors logos or messages being included on uniforms or in publicity material.
Please feel free to contact us with any queries or comments and we will try and ensure that you have no worries as you prepare for your visit.
An Interesting Entry from an Intriguing Place
We have received an entry from Bula Force a team from the Republic of Palau. The make-up of the team is yet to be advised but they tell us that they are definitely coming and are excited about their involvement. The question that we have been asked is where is Palau?
The Republic of Palau consists of eight principal islands and more than 250 smaller ones lying roughly 500 miles southeast of the Philippines. The islands of Palau constitute part of the Caroline Islands chain.
Palau was initially settled more than 4,000 years ago, probably by migrants from what today is Indonesia. British traders became prominent visitors in the 18th century, followed by expanding Spanish influence in the 19th century. Following its defeat in the Spanish-American War, Spain sold Palau and most of the rest of the Caroline Islands to Germany in 1899. Control passed to Japan in 1914 and then to the United States under UN auspices in 1947 as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
Four of the Trust Territory districts formed a single federated Micronesian state in 1979, but this eventually dissolved as the individual districts--long culturally distinct--opted for more locally popular status. Palau approved a new constitution in 1981, subsequently signing a Compact of Free Association with the United States in 1982. After eight referenda and an amendment to the Palauan constitution, the Compact went into effect on October 1, 1994, marking Palau's emergence from trusteeship to independence.
The population of Palau is approximately 21,000, of whom 70% are native Palauans, who are of mixed Melanesian, Micronesian, and Malayan descent. Filipinos form the second largest ethnic group. Other Asians and Europeans account for the minority groups. Famous for its diving, Palau is rated as one of the world's best diving destinations by scuba aficionados with unspoiled reefs, caves, and walls with an amazing array of marine life.
Palau has some of the world's most awesome natural wonders. White beaches, gardens of coral just beneath the clearest waters, lakes filled to the brim with "sting less" jellyfish. Forests, waterfalls and caves that have never been ravaged by man, and hundreds of islands of the purest beauty abound all along a pristine archipelago.
We look forward to meeting our new friends from the Republic of Palau at the 2nd World Vintage Softball Carnival in April next year.
And Don't Forget
Entry can be done on line at http://www.vintagesoftball.com/ or if you prefer we can post or fax an entry for you to complete and return.
And Also
We are taking registrations for:- A Big Day Out in Honolulu:
On the softball rest day we are offering the Vintage Softball Carnival Big Day Fun Experience and Scavenger Hunt.
During the morning teams will transfer downtown to the Aloha Tower Marketplace. There all participants (one per couple) will be given a disposable camera along with a list of historic and cultural sights and exhibits. The groups will do a pre-planned walking tour of Honolulu, get some great souvenir pictures, and then everyone will meet at Gordon Biersch for a two-hour lunch at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, including micro-brewed beer on tap or sodas, all done with a baseball décor. This is the chance for everyone to get some great pictures and memories. They will hand in their cameras at lunch, and we will have them developed, and distribute the photographs at the Farewell Luau.
Attached to the walking tour will be a Scavenger Hunt where the teams that get all the pictures of different places and spots on the list, will get a prize to be presented at the Finale Function. It’s a stimulating, active, and fun way to get to know downtown Honolulu, with a great luncheon party afterwards.
Price will be $90.00 USD per person. For a unique and fun way to see Downtown Honolulu, take some free photos, maybe win a prize or two and enjoy a great luncheon with some fabulous local beer…..just click here and register your numbers.
Looking forward to having some fun with those who want to take part in the Vintage Softball Carnival Big Day Out.
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World Vintage Softball Carnival
Hawaii April 19th to 26th, 2009
www.vintagesoftball.com