STORY: Sydney marks 25-day countdown for 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
DATELINE: June 26, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:32
LOCATION: SYDNEY, Australia
CATEGORY: SPORTS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Unity Celebration held at Sydney Harbour Bridge
2. SOUNDBITE (English): LINDA HASELHURST, Participant
3. various of the Unity Celebration held at Sydney Harbour Bridge (Source: FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023)

STORYLINE:

Australia's iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge was transformed into a festival venue on Sunday, celebrating the 25-day countdown until the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The event saw more than 4,000 people traversing the landmark, sharing their love for women's football.

As early as 6:30 a.m. local time, enthusiastic football lovers had already gathered at the northern end of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. They were dressed in the jerseys, beanies, and scarves of their favorite teams.

SOUNDBITE (English): LINDA HASELHURST, Participant
"It's fantastic. And it's really going to give women's sports a boost, because soccer for young girls is such a great, non-contact, really active sport that they can continue to play all their lives."

The Unity Celebration began with a traditional smoking ceremony. Participants then started moving southward towards the stage set on the bridge.

FIFA legend and former U.S. football player Joy Fawcett, along with Australia's inaugural captain and cap number one holder for the Matildas, Julie Dolan, were spotted among the crowd.

The event also offered a preview of the tournament's official song, "Do It Again," talks, and live cultural performances including Irish and African dances.

The ninth Women's World Cup will be held in Australia and New Zealand between July 20 and August 20.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Sydney, Australia.
(XHTV)