TORONTO — Hockey star Hayley Wickenheiser and Twitter executive Kirstine Stewart are the latest tournament ambassadors for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada.
Wickenheiser and Stewart, vice-president of North America Media Partnerships for Twitter, join existing tournament ambassadors Rona Ambrose, Canada’s health minister, and Kara Lang, a former Canadian soccer international.
"Women’s sport is a very current topic and one that is very obviously close to my heart," Wickenheiser said in a statement Friday. "It is a real privilege for us to have such elite female athletes from all over the world congregate here on Canadian soil.
"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."
FIFA made the announcement at a conference in Zurich on women’s soccer and leadership in advance of International Women’s Day on Sunday.
"All four of Canada’s FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament 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," said Peter Montopoli, CEO of the World Cup national organizing committee.
"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."
The tournament runs June 6 to July 5 in Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver.