Members of the Bacolod-Negros girls' softball delegation are planning to apply for visas to the United States today but Bacolod City councilor Homer Bais, who is spearheading the fund-raising campaign for their US trip, last night said the contingent is still P70,000 short of the amount needed for their application.

Ba-Neg official Tess Himpolaran said the softbelles, who are bound to see action in the 2007 Junior League World Series from Aug. 12-19 in Kirkland, Washington, need to get an appointment for an interview with the US Embassy and apply for a visa as soon as possible for their planned departure on Aug. 9.

The team only has P30,000, which is P70,000 short for the visa application fees of the delegation, Bais said.

"From our previous experience, we need at least an allowance of one month before an interview," Himpolaran told the DAILY STAR last night.

She added that the team has already reserved airline tickets from Bacolod to the US through a local travel agency, which estimated the cost at about P1.2 million. Bais reiterated the appeal for financial aid for the Ba-Neg team, that had worked its way to the World Series by topping the Asia-Pacific Softball Championships in Pasig, and the Philippine Series in Batangas.

The team really needs all the financial help it could get, Bais said, adding that he is banking on the commitment of private companies and government officials, who have pledged their support.

Lagrimas Ciokon, the Ba-Neg team manager, said the team will be reimbursed $10,000 by World Series organizers if it makes it to the US in time for the tournament.

Ba-Neg deserves the help because it is not only bringing the name of Bacolod and Negros and the Philippines, but the entire Asia-Pacific, Bais said.

He said Councilor Al Victor Espino is also helping out in the fund-raising campaign for the team.

Bais also said that he has been asked by Ba-Neg officials to serve as delegation head.

He, however, has not decided to take on the role, saying his focus remains on raising funds for the softbelles so they could compete in the US.

My decision will depend on the availability of funds, Bais said. "What's important is that the players can make it to the US and represent our city and province and our country," he added.*CPT

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