New event ambassadors named for Canada 2015
Two new event ambassadors for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™ have been announced, increasing the all-star lineup to four exceptional Canadian women. Joining Kara Lang and the Honourable Rona Ambrose are Kirstine Stewart, Vice President, North America Media Partnerships for Twitter, and Hayley Wickenheiser, five-time Olympic medalist and Canadian hockey icon.
Stewart is one of Canada’s most highly-respected business women, with a career spanning over 25 years. Universally admired, she has led some of Canada’s largest television production and media companies, including CBC English Language Services.
She now serves as Twitter’s North American lead for television, sports, music, talent, entertainment, news and government partnerships. In addition to her inspirational career, Stewart brings a love of sport and an optimism that will inspire generations to come.
Wickenheiser earned international recognition as an Olympian in both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games. She represents the success of Canadian athletes on the international stage and the pride which their success brings to our country, embodying the official slogan for Canada 2015 – To a Greater Goal™.
An Officer of the Order of Canada, she has been recognised for her contributions to sport and charity. Recently in December 2014, she served as a draw assistant for the Official Draw of the Women's World Cup.
“We are thrilled Hayley and Kirstine have joined Minister Ambrose and Kara Lang as tournament ambassadors,” said Peter Montopoli, Chief Executive Officer for the National Organising Committee of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. “All four of Canada’s FIFA Women’s World Cup event ambassadors are enthusiastic, driven and creative leaders who understand the hard work and dedication that is required to be at the top of one’s game.
"Above all, these ambassadors are proud Canadians who want to help leave a legacy for women and sport in Canada that will result from the hosting of the largest women’s sporting event in the world.”
A game changer for the sport in Canada, the Women’s World Cup provides an opportunity to engage Canadians from all corners of the vast nation, creating opportunities for lifelong sport and establishing a new era in the women’s game. The participation of Minister Ambrose, Kirstine Stewart, Hayley Wickenheiser, and Kara Lang are helping to engage Canadians across the country as Canada hosts the largest event in women’s sport, from coast-to-coast.
“It’s an honour to be named as an ambassador for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, an event that will unite some of the most hard-working, talented athletes in the world,” said Stewart. “As a Canadian and passionate sports fan, I’m truly looking forward to experiencing the performances that will inspire female athletes not only in Canada, but across the world.”
The FIFA Women’s World Cup sets the stage for the world’s best players and performances, but it is much more than just a soccer competition. It is a showcase of the best in women’s sport – on and off the field. The Women's World Cup will be the first truly coast-to-coast event across Canada.
“Women’s sport is a very current topic and one that is very obviously close to my heart. It is a real privilege for us to have such elite female athletes from all over the world congregate here on Canadian soil,” said Wickenheiser. “The FIFA Women’s World Cup™ is more than just about the sport of soccer: this FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada will encourage all women and girls to not only participate in sport, but to excel.”
Canada open the competition in Edmonton on 6 June 2015 when they take on China PR in the Opening Match. Individual tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at FIFA.com/Canada2015. Tickets start as low as $20.15.