One of the most exciting teams in the world of fastpitch, Team Japan, will be playing this weekend in Surrey at the Scotiabank Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship.
Team Japan won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the silver medal at last year’s 2010 ISF World Championships.
They will face some strong competition as ISF rivals Canada, USA, Venezuela and Australia all compete on Surrey’s diamonds.
The Scotiabank Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship is one of the world’s top three women’s fastpitch events of the year and takes place July 9-17 in Surrey at Softball City, Cloverdale Athletic Park and Sunnyside Park.
To see a schedule of matches go to www.canadianopenfastpitch.com.

Richmond sisters play for Team Canada

Sisters Mariko (jacket) and Emi Nomura Mariko of the Richmond Islanders, will be playing for Team Canada in the Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship in Surrey.
Both sisters play in the Futures Division with Richmond Islanders 93.
Older sister Mariko recently graduated from South Georgia College with an education degree while her sister Emi has just won a softball scholarship to the same university.
For information on team rosters go to www.canadianopenfastpitch.com.