Visa yesterday announced its partnership with Canadian soccer player Christine Sinclair, who will be joining Team Visa ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in France this summer. Recognized as one of the best soccer players in the world, the Burnaby native is at career goal number 180 – four goals away from the world record of 184, which she is expected to surpass in France this summer.
Sinclair scored her first international goal competing in the 2000 Algarve Cup. She was the leading scorer at the London 2012 Olympic Games among all teams, a feat that earned her the honour of Canada’s closing ceremony flag bearer. She has been named the Canadian Player of the Year 14 times and nominated seven times for The Best FIFA Women’s Player award. In 2017, she was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada. A full list of her honours—including those earned during her collegiate career with the University of Portland Pilots—would fill pages.
“We are excited to sign Christine Sinclair to the Team Visa roster,” said Brenda Woods, Vice President of Marketing, Visa Canada. “Visa’s long-time partnership with the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ is about being the catalyst for change, making a stand for women’s empowerment and elevating the women’s game. Sinclair’s dedication to her sport and ability to push boundaries is what makes her one of the best football players in the world. We will be cheering on Christine and Team Canada as they compete against the world’s best in this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™.”
“I’m thrilled to represent Canada as part of Team Visa at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ this year,” said Christine Sinclair. “Visa’s dedication to empowering women, and especially athletes, is impressive. I’m looking forward to working together to bring Canadian women’s soccer to the international stage, and help Canada win at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.”
A long-time FIFA Women’s World Cup™ partner, Visa founded its Team Visa program in 2000 and has supported over 400 athletes to-date, with the aim of providing athletes with the tools, resources and support they need to achieve their lifelong dreams, both on and off the field of competition, regardless of their origin or background. Team Visa is unified by athletes who embody Visa’s values of acceptance, partnership and inclusion, with athletic talent matched equally by their character.
This year’s tournament marks Visa’s largest on-site investment in women’s soccer ever. Visa will ensure fans have the ultimate experience at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ by providing the latest payment technology across venues. For example, commemorative contactless Visa prepaid cards and payment enabled wristbands will be available at Visa customer service booths in all official venues.
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