Darwin- Kupang Trilateral Football Tournament Builds Closer Ties

Australia’s Chargés d'affaires to Indonesia, Ms Louise Hand, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome accorded to the Darwin Women’s Soccer Team in Kupang during last week’s Trilateral Tournament, featuring teams from Kupang and Udana University.

“Playing sport together is a great opportunity to build the spirit of friendship between the peoples of our two countries and this tournament in particular underlines the important people to people links between the cities of Kupang and Palmerston” said Ms Hand. “The management of the Darwin Women’s Soccer Team has asked me to pass on their special appreciation to the people of Kupang for their work in organising the tournament.”

The spirited games attracted large crowds and left a lasting impression on local players, fans and the visiting Darwin team. “We can’t thank enough the people of Kupang for welcoming us into your hearts and introducing us to your culture. It’s an experience we will remember forever,” said Darwin Manager, Jeanny Roney. The Darwin team capped off their tour with a visit to Karmel Orphanage, where they distributed toys and food supplies, donated by players and fans in Darwin.

The tour also featured a visit from Mayor of Palmerston, the Hon Mr. Robert Macleod, who took forward discussions on the expansion of the sister-city relationship with the Governor of NTT and the Deputy Mayor of Kupang. Mr. Macleod also led an ANZAC day service, to commemorate fallen Indonesian, Australian and New Zealand soldiers, as well as attended the celebration of Kupang’s 121st anniversary.

“The friendship between Palmerston and Kupang is very strong and the football is a means to build and strengthen that relationship. I see this relationship as an asset for our respective national governments to use in expanding the broader relationship between our two countries.”

The Darwin Women’s Soccer Team look forward to their team’s return visit in next year’s planned trilateral tournament rematch series.

Further information:
Steven Barraclough (Australian Embassy) mob. 0811 993328