Softball is an exciting game played by men and women of all ages all around the world. It was invented at the end of the 19th century as an indoor game and has become very popular among a number of countries, including the United States, Australia, Japan and China to name a few.

Softball is played by two teams, nine players per team on the field, alternating turns at bat and defense. The aim of the team in offense is to hit the ball with the bat and, by consecutively reaching all three bases to return to the home plate and earn a run. The team in defense on the other hand pitches the ball to the team in offense and tries to prevent the other team from gaining points.

Softball is played in two versions characterized by the kind of pitch delivered: fast pitch (competitive) and slow pitch (recreational/social). At the Olympic Games, only the women’s fast pitch event is included. In total, eight teams participate at the Olympic Games. The host city’s national team is automatically included among these teams, while the rest qualify through World Championships and other regional qualifying matches.

International Athletes : National Team 2001:	1.	KOSTARIDI-AVRAAM SIMONA
	2.	SPILIOPOULOU ALEXIA
	3.	SPILIOPOULOU STELLA
Olympic Team 2002:		KOSTARIDI-AVRAAM SIMONA