CARE Volunteers support WBSC Baseball5 World Cup guided tours: Promoting community engagement in sports

Published on 10 October 2024

In recent years, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has actively promoted a modified baseball game, Baseball5. This simplified version of baseball fosters team spirit, enhances decision-making skills and develops athletic abilities. The second WBSC Baseball5 World Cup took place from 7 to 12 October 2024, at the Central Harbourfront Event Space. Recognised by the Major Sports Events Committee as an "M" brand event, it attracted 12 top teams from five continents competing for the championship.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club was the official community partner of the event, sponsoring the “Jockey Club Baseball5 Community Programme”. This initiative aims to raise public awareness of Baseball5 through a series of community engagement activities, encouraging widespread participation in international competitions. The programme featured guided tours during the event, inviting students and the public to experience the excitement of Baseball5, watch thrilling matches and cheer for the Hong Kong Team, thereby enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the sport.

The CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team seized this opportunity and mobilised nearly 20 volunteers to assist with guided tour activities on 7 and 10 October 2024. The volunteers were responsible for distributing tour materials and accompanying participants throughout the tours and match viewings. Conducted by Baseball5 Promotion Ambassadors, these tours allowed participants to immerse themselves in the excitement and enjoyment of top-level Baseball5 matches.

Many guided tour participants were unfamiliar with Baseball5, often asking common questions such as, “How large does the field need to be?”, “How do you score?”, and “Why are gloves and bats not needed?”. Unlike traditional baseball, Baseball5 can be played both indoors and outdoors, requiring only a flat area of 21 metres by 21 metres and a hollow rubber ball. The game is played without gloves or bats, and there is no pitcher; batters simply hit the hollow rubber ball with their hands, making it a safe option. The game is structured in a five-on-five format and concludes after five innings. With detailed explanations from the guides, CARE volunteers and participants fully engaged in the matches, passionately cheering for the competing teams.

The volunteers expressed that the event was particularly special, allowing them to experience joy in sports while appreciating the importance of community cohesion. They looked forward to future opportunities for the CARE Team to support large-scale sports events and continue promoting the development of sports in Hong Kong.