New Zealand and Australian embassies hold send-off for Women's World Cup-bound Filipinas

The New Zealand and Australian embassies held a pre-departure send-off for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup-bound Philippine women's football team in its official residence on Thursday.

The event was attended by New Zealand Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Mr. Tim Given, Australian Counsellor and Acting Deputy Head of Mission Thanh Le, Philippine Football Federation officials and Filipinas players Hali Long and Inna Palacios.

Given highlighted the importance of the national team's achievement in Philippine sports.

“Gusto ko sanang batiin at pasalamatan ang lahat ng manlalaro ng Team Filipinas. Success is the final point of hours of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and making it to the World Cup is an awesome achievement! It is a testament to the Filipino spirit, unity, and sportsmanship. Proud kaming lahat sa inyo at may kumpyansa kami na bibigyan nyo ng matinding laban ang New Zealand Football Ferns," said Given.

("I want to thank all of the players of Team Filipinas. Success is the final point of hours of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and making it to the World Cup is an awesome achievement! It is a testament to the Filipino spirit, unity, and sportsmanship. We are all proud of you and confident that you will give the New Zealand Football Ferns a good fight.")

The Filipinas will play their group stages in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Le looked forward to having the team in Australia for the next rounds of the tournament, if they are able to advance.

"Like Filipinos, Australians love sport. We value inclusiveness, teamwork, and a fair go in sport. We need more successes for women in sports and we celebrate the success of the Filipinas as they take a huge step in next month’s competition at the FIFA Women’s World Cup," Le said.

The Filipinas will also train in Australia before heading to New Zealand.

PFF president Mariano V. Araneta thanked both embassies for their efforts in supporting the national team.

Long and Palacios also thanked the two embassies for welcoming them.

"We're really excited to arrive there in Australia and New Zealand and meet our kababayans there," Long said.

The FIFA Women's World Cup will be held from July 20 to August 20 in New Zealand and Australia. Aside from New Zealand, the Philippine team will also play Switzerland and Norway in the group stage.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News