QUEZON CITY – New Zealand’s Embassy in Manila hosted an event on May 12 at the University of the Philippines Diliman Varsity Training Centre, with a focus on empowering women in sports and on the potential of sports as a platform for tremendous possibilities.
The panel forum featured Senator Pia Cayetano as Keynote Speaker, TV Presenter and former volleyball player Gretchen Ho as moderator, and a roster of distinguished guests: sports journalist Rizza Diaz, professor and sports mentor Dr. Eloisa Hernandez, former softball player and court side reporter Paula Erika Reyes, and H.E. Ambassador Peter Kell, who is no stranger to sports, having fenced internationally for New Zealand. The event was attended by student-athletes from the University of the Philippines Diliman track and field, softball, fencing, women’s volleyball, women’s basketball, men’s and women’s swimming, and women’s football teams. The UP Pep Squad All Women Team also performed during the event. The panel discussion highlighted not only the importance of gender equality in sports but also the immense array of opportunities that sports can offer to women and men of all ages and backgrounds.
During her keynote speech, Senator Pia Cayetano emphasized the need to promote and support women’s participation in sports at all levels, from grassroots to professional. She stressed the importance of providing equal opportunities for female athletes and making the most out of the chances presented by sports to discover career paths.
In the panel discussion that followed, Ambassador Kell spoke about how sports opened up tremendous opportunities for him to explore. Other speakers shared their experiences and insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by women in sports.
The event was well received by the audience of UP student-athletes, who proactively asked questions after the panel discussion and expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn from and engage with such a distinguished and inspiring panel of speakers.
“I, myself, ay isang dating atleta. Dati akong fencer. I fenced competitively for over 10 years and competed internationally for New Zealand. My travels abroad due to fencing opened my eyes at nadiskubre ko ang passion ko sa diplomasya. Isa iyon sa mga dahilan kung bakit ko ginagawa ang kasalukuyan kong larangan at kung bakit nandito ako ngayon kasama nyong lahat. Inaasahan ko na ang event na ito ay magsilbing inspirasyon at motivation para sa ating lahat to work towards a future not just where women in sports are celebrated and valued for their skills, dedication, and hard work but also to see sports as a great platform for tremendous opportunities.” Ambassador Kell said.
The event is New Zealand Embassy in Manila’s first non-Trophy Tour event in relation to New Zealand’s co-hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 together with Australia. This will be followed by a pre-departure event for Team Filipinas, the Philippines National Women’s Football Team in June, and a match viewing of the game between New Zealand and the Philippines in July.
