Until now.

Thanks to its flawless hosting of the Softball NSW Under 15 State Championships in 2014, Orange and District Softball Association (ODSA) was awarded the 2015 Orange sporting organisation of the year at the Australia Day sport awards at Cook Park yesterday.

“It’s very satisfying to see the association win, softball isn’t really a mainstream sport,” ODSA life member David Ball, who was on hand to accept the award, said.

The state championships are one the major events on the Softball NSW calendar, with good quality facilities and excellent administration expected from the host association. 

In total, 21 teams nominated for the event which saw almost 1000 people visit the city over the two days.

ODSA surpassed all expectations thanks to the commitment of the association’s dedicated committee. With teams, officials and supporters travelling to Orange from throughout NSW for the carnival, the event also made a significant economic contribution to the city.

In recognition of the association’s recent achievements they were awarded country affiliate of the year runner-up at the Softball NSW annual awards night and affiliate of the year at the NSW Umpires awards night.

“It’s a really good reward for all the hard work the committee put into the championships, and 2014,” Ball said.

“It makes all the early mornings drying diamonds, and officiating and general organisation worth it.

“We really need to thank Orange City Council as well, they put a lot of effort into it to help us host successfully.”