The Pingtan Softball Association (PSA) and the Taiwan-based Chinese Slow Pitch Softball Association (CSPSA) signed collaboration deals on Nov 27 with the aim of strengthening communication.

Under the agreements, the CSPSA will assist the PSA in the training of referees and players.

Cai Zonglin, president of the CSPSA, said that Pingtan's top priority – for the development of softball – should concern popularizing the sport.

"Softball has a history of more than 100 years in Taiwan, where athletes have won many awards in international competitions. The secret of its success is the mass participation. Almost everybody in Taiwan has played softball," he said.

Chen Ming, PSA's president, said that the CSPSA boasts players with excellent skills and has good facilities, and he also said he hopes the collaboration with CSPSA will help improve Pingtan's competiveness in softball.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Niva Whyman