I’M NOT A SERIOUS FOOTBALL fan by any stretch of the imagination, so that means the most memorable things for me that happened during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup were the kiss, the fact that the eventual champions didn’t wave the Star Spangled Banner, and our very own Filipinas played in their very first World Cup, and historically won their first game for good measure.
[Goes without saying but we’re saying it here that by pure luck, we were an OFW working in NZ, one of the host nations of the event. ]
But other firsts were accomplished during FIFA 2023: 1.5 million tickets were sold, by far eclipsing any women’s tournament, ever; and 5000 dedicated volunteers manned the entrances and exits, guided spectators to their seats, and acted as unofficial security and medical personnel for any untoward and unexpected events, God forbid.
Two of these volunteers were our very own kabayan Ronnie Salazar and Vic Romero in Wellington (with the bonus of watching the Filipinas win over New Zealand, 1-0!). We asked them the following questions and these were their enthusiastic responses:
What made you feel like volunteering and supporting the Philippine presence in FIFA in the way that you did?
When I heard that Wellington was one of the cities that FWWC2023 was going to be held at, my wife, Beng and I jumped at the chance to help out as volunteers. In 2008, I had previously volunteered for the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup, a tournament of a smaller scale which in retrospect was a dry run in preparation for if ever an even bigger event like this year’s one would be held here. I was quite keen to represent the Filipino community and also as a Kiwi (New Zealander), to help showcase Wellington as an excellent location for an event watched by millions around the world.
It was even made more meaningful with the Philippines’ historic maiden participation in it. From accreditation, media operations, pre-match ceremonies, guest relations to brand protection and assisting with access, there are a million and one tasks that volunteers are doing to make this World Cup an event like no other. In these roles, it would not be difficult to find a kabayan or two representing the Philippines, assisting as volunteers.
What were the highlights of your preparation, e.g how many were you, logistics, did you feel your special form of support gave the Filipinas extra strength & inspiration to play here?
There was an application process to be a volunteer, which we had to go through, a few months in advance. Around 5000 volunteers were being tapped by FIFA across New Zealand and Australia for this World Cup. There were numerous ways one can help, from welcoming teams and VVIP guests at airports to guiding spectators to their seats in the stadium and everything in between, ensuring the joyful atmosphere that makes this particular sporting event so special. Once we were accepted, to find that a number of other Filipinos were also volunteering and we would be interacting with them in different teams was a highlight. In arriving at the volunteer center and finding that the Philippine Flag was being displayed alongside the other flags of the world was indeed a proud moment.
At the NZ vs. Philippines game where I was present as a volunteer, hearing the Philippine national anthem was as touching as it gets. With the Philippines winning, (a bit of a bitter sweet moment with us being Kiwis as well), a fellow Filipino volunteer and I had to be a little subdued in our reaction with all the Kiwis surrounding us. But the elation and pride was unavoidable when after the final game whistle, our team leader shouted, ‘Filipino!’ signifying the win.
I knew that in some small way, the Filipinas would feel our warm welcome and be inspired that in this part of the world, support for them is phenomenal. For them to have qualified and be able to represent the Philippines for the first time ever at a World Cup is pretty special and the significance of the occasion is not lost on us. I felt that it is quite important to show that win or lose, overseas Filipinos value what they have achieved and show this. The connection is already there, simply unravels and is highlighted in historic moments like these.
What have you learned about volunteering in FIFA?
Volunteering for FIFA is an awesome and memorable experience. Our help is very much appreciated by the organisation and this is shown in many ways. We have been well looked after at each of our volunteer days. The people are professional, very friendly and are a joy to work with. It is also a chance to meet and swap stories with other volunteers and football fans from around the world. Many countries are represented in the different teams, people of diverse backgrounds, all united by a common love of football and volunteering.
Do you have a video of your group’s volunteer support in Sky Stadium?
No video but I have a couple of good photos.
Thanks Ronnie and Vic for your sacrifice, thanks kabayan for reading!
