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Frequently Asked Questions
What is IBACA’s mission?
IBACA was established to identify and develop Central America’s youth baseball talent, helping the most gifted players fulfill their dreams of playing in the Major Leagues, while providing critical social services and development programs to facilitate the growth of all participants into responsible community role models. It also seeks to help strengthen the infrastructure of amateur baseball in the region.
What is IBACA’s relationship to IBA?
IBA is incorporated in California and operates as IBACA’s parent company. IBA seeks to identify and develop youth baseball talent around the world, as well as to promote the global growth of baseball through the strategic placement of academies in multiple countries and regions.
Why open a new baseball academy in Nicaragua?
Baseball is the national sport of Nicaragua and a source of pride and passion. Youth are often seen playing pick-up games in the street, outfitted with large sticks and wads of tape or paper, and the sport offers an outlet and escape for all Nicaraguans, young and old. With outstanding baseball talent being discovered in other Latin American countries, IBA and IBACA believe that Nicaragua represents the perfect location for anchoring new recruitment efforts in the region.
What is the political situation in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is a democratic country currently led by President Daniel Ortega. Elections occur every five years, and the next presidential election will take place in November 2011. Nicaragua is emerging as a popular tourist and investment destination, is ranked as the second safest country in the western hemisphere, and has a commitment to growth and economic security that is reflected in its private property laws. In any case, Baseball in Nicaragua transcends politics and creates a common ground on which all can come together and celebrate traditions past and present.
What is IBACA’s relationship to the Hope and Development Foundation?
With a focus on the community of Villa El Carmen, near the Gran Pacifica Beach and Golf Resort and Milagro del Mar Beach Club, the Hope and Development Foundation partners with international and local agencies to help Villa El Carmen’s residents develop sustainable programs and business initiatives to promote a higher standard of living. IBACA is a strategic partner in Hope and Development’s Village project—a comprehensive development effort designed to provide the citizens of Villa El Carmen with education, healthcare, vocational education and job training, wellness and sports programs and housing, along with all the social benefits of community living. IBACA not only will offer sports, wellness and baseball training opportunities, but will supply the Village with direct employment opportunities and financial support.
Are sponsorship opportunities are available?
There are various ways to get involved in IBACA. For more information, please contact:
Bob Oettinger (USA)
(805) 750-1822
bob@internationalbaseballassociation.com
Roger Keeling (Nicaragua)
011 (505) 8850-3077
roger@ibaca.org
