The Australian sporting public are still basking in the success of hosting the Women’s Football World Cup over July and August.
It was a success in terms of event and sports tourism with initial estimates indicating that in Queensland alone is generated $xxm in overnight stays.
Those overnight stays flow into the hospitality and retail sector and that equal jobs for Queenslanders.
The performance of the Matildas has certainly captured the country’s attention with their march to the semi-final and we have the results with television ratings.
More than grand finals, more than State of Origin, the Matilda’s loss to England has been the most viewed television program in the history of television ratings.
It certainly puts paid to suggestions that women’s sport doesn’t rate and that women’s sport can’t generate advertising dollars.
We may consider this the start of the runway to the Olympics and Paralympics in 2032.
International sporting bodies will seek to run national and international competitions here in southeast Queensland to familiarise their athletes and examine logistics and support services.
This will mean more visitors to Queensland and the economic flow on effects and the jobs that come from that.
But it’s also the intangibles that this World Cup has generated that I am pleased to note.
I have been a champion of women’s participation across a range of codes and sports and to see women’s sport hold the spotlight has been uplifting for our future athletes.
Young girls are more likely to withdraw from participating in sport as they enter their teenage years and this often results in poorer health and lifestyle outcomes.
While sporting professionals across a range of sports are considered role models, rightly or wrongly, the performance of the Matildas on and off the pitch has been positive for both boys and girls.
It has actually been nothing short of inspirational and what a wonderful ride the ‘Tillies have taken us on.
