Sydney: The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on Gadigal land was transformed into a festival of football earlier on Sunday in a celebration of culture, bringing together diverse people and communities to mark the 25-day countdown until the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.
Amidst the sparkling backdrop of the Sydney Harbour, 4,000 fans kicked-off festivities on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and took part in this once in a lifetime opportunity for the FIFA Women's World Cup ‘Unity Celebration’.
Hosted by former Australia international and FIFA Women in Football Leadership participant, Amy Duggan, soaking up the buzzing festival atmosphere were grassroots football and multicultural communities, local and international football greats including FIFA Legend Joy Fawcett, NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, representatives from co-host Member Associations Football Australia and New Zealand Football, as well as FIFA officials.
Several of the tournament’s Beyond Greatness Champions were also in attendance, and they helped to carry the flags of the 32 nations preparing to compete on the international stage.
Eager to celebrate the tournament and the talented players who will represent the very best of women’s football, fans gathered on the world-renowned landmark to hear a preview of the tournament’s official song, dance to the tournament’s ‘Unity Beat’, and view live cultural performances and presentations.
Representing the tournaments’ Beyond Greatness slogan and distinctive cultural elements, the 17-metre-tall Unity Jersey was unveiled in spectacular fashion on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Unity Jersey design reflects the vibrant local landscapes and rich colours of the two host countries, building a palette based on the rainforests, earth, mountains, cities, and water. A radial motif featuring 32 colourful squares celebrates the 32 participating nations coming together, serving as a visual testament to the spirit, values and diversity that defines the sport and tournament.
Speaking at the event, FIFA Council Member, Johanna Wood, said: “What a fabulous morning of football, culture and community coming together – a fitting stage to set the scene for what is to come in 25 days. We are committed to delivering an exceptional tournament and experience that will not only captivate the hearts and minds of football fans but also empower women in sport across the globe. We are ready to go Beyond Greatness and football, once again, has demonstrated how it unites the world.”
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, said: “Today we stand on one of Australia’s iconic structures, excited to host the world's best players and their passionate football fans in NSW. I am excited to have 11 matches scheduled here in NSW and welcoming all the world class football teams and their fans at what is set to be the biggest FIFA Women’s World Cup ever.
“This tournament has the potential to be one of the biggest sporting events in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics and the NSW Government is happy to support the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023,” he concluded.
While Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, remarked: “Today marks three years to the day since we won the right to co-host the 2023 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and what a fitting way to celebrate atop one of the most iconic and recognisable structures in the world. Today, the Sydney Harbour bridge was closed to celebrate football. This is a significant moment for our game and is something which the Australian football community should take pride in and savour – this is our time."
The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will run from 20 July - 20 August 2023 across five Australian host cities: Sydney/Gadigal, Melbourne/Naarm, Brisbane/Meaanjin, Adelaide/Tarntanya and Perth/Boorloo and four New Zealand host cities, Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, Dunedin/Ōtepoti and Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara. -- FIFA
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