The 10th ISF Junior Men’s World Softball Championship was officially opened in Whitehorse Friday night.

Softball delegates and government officials gathered at the Pepsi Softball Centre to kick off a tournament that has been years in the making.

One by one, the 10 teams paraded onto diamond one, carrying their country’s flags and tipping their caps to the hundreds of fans in attendance.

USA’s young bat boy made a memorable impression, completing a series of tricks including cartwheels and a back flip.

Team Canada was the final entry onto the field, much to the delight of the fans.

Following a stirring rendition of the Canadian anthem from Whitehorse singer Emily Ross – which included the unfurling of a giant flag – the delegates took turns addressing the athletes and fans.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a great pleasure to be back in Whitehorse again,” International Softball Federation president Dale McMann told the crowd.

McMann said the Whitehorse organizing committee continues to wow the ISF each time they host a world championship. The current tournament marks the third time the Yukon capital has held a tournament of this type.

“We look forward to coming back again in the future,” he said.

Mayor Dan Curtis said the opening ceremony was an emotional moment for him.

“These elite athletes are among the very best in the entire world and they’re right here in my city,” he said. “God love them. We’re really, really proud to have them.”

Softball Yukon executive director George Arcand said his group continues to work hard to provide world class events to the community.

“We have raised the bar over the years and we intend to raise it higher,” he said. “Bringing this level of sport to the Yukon provides not only outstanding entertainment to Yukoners, but inspiration and dreams for our own young athletes. There is nothing like sport to bring hope and to change the world.

“I now declare these Games open, and we’ll turn it over to the ballplayers,” Arcand said.

Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski threw out the ceremonial first pitch, caught by Canadian catcher Taylor Schubada.

To view video of the opening ceremony, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APP7VoPzsuo.