FARNHAM Park Sports Ground recently hosted the opening ceremony of the UK's first baseball and softball complex.

The event was a celebration for keen enthusiasts of the sport and local residents alike, who were treated to a real spectacle.

The Great Britain (GB) Lions took on the National Baseball League All-Stars, the GB Fastpitch teams were in action and Japanese club Godzillas played Guernsey Men's Slowpitch national team.

In front of a 500-plus crowd, TV and radio personality Colin Murray declared the facility open with the singing of Take Me Out To The Ball Game to a gathering of enthusiastic players, domestic and international VIP's and local residents.

Santokh Chokar, chairman of South Bucks District Council, said: "By working closely in partnership with BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK) we shall endeavour to continue to build strong links with the local community and schools to encourage everyone to take part in this exciting family sport." BSUK chair John Walmsley is looking forward to a bright future for the sport in Farnham Park. He said: "This is a sporting landmark, our very own 'field of dreams' in England's green and pleasant land.

"Farnham Park will serve South Bucks for many years to come, allowing children to grow into adults on the field and mature rookies into seasoned players, coaches and managers.

"We will invite the rest of Europe and the rest of the world to play baseball and softball here." Rosie Benson of Sport England was invited to lay the first base on the field and ceremonial first pitches were thrown by Europen Baseball Federation's (CEB) Rene Laforce and Wickes Homestores' Stuart Bentley.

The facility was built by BUSK in partnership with Sport England, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund and South Bucks District Council.

Farnham Park has a full size international standard baseball field and three softball/youth baseball fields. It will play host to domestic league and tournament play, community use and eventually international events.

Wicks Homestores, who partner with BUSK to run one of the UK's largest softball leagues for its staff, donated materials to the site.

"We're extremely grateful to all of our partners for buying into our vision for this facility," said Walmsley, "Without them, this would not have come about." Baseball and softball, along with wrestling and squash, are on the shortlist of sports for inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games, having been removed from the 2012 Olympics just days after London was announced as the host city.

The opening ceremony highlighted what could have been for the sports - a lost opportunity to be showcased in the UK - but looked forward to the 'Play Ball' 2020 campaign to be part of the Olympic Games.

Walmsley continued: "We hope to see the sports back on the Olympic programme from 2020 and look forward to seeing the selection of the host city later this year.

"The lack of inclusion in London 2012 doesn't exclude us from the broader sporting legacy and we can, and must, capitalise upon that.

"We will continue to do this by ensuring that Farnham Park is the catalyst for new and exciting opportunities for people who've not yet played our sports across South Bucks and the local area." **PICK up a copy of the Observer, out every Friday, for all the latest sports news and action** **FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter @Observer_sports**