Santo Domingo.- The Official Mascot of the U-17 Women’s Soccer World Cup, representing the endemic Rose of Bayahíbe with its distinctive pink color, made a ceremonial arrival at the Taní National Palace. Vice President Raquel Peña and Minister of the Presidency Joel Santos warmly received the mascot, which symbolizes not only the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Dominican Republic but also honors its Taino cultural heritage through its name.
Scheduled from October 16 to November 3, 2024, the tournament marks the first time the Dominican Republic will host this event. Named Taní after the Taino culture, the mascot will embark on a nationwide tour over the coming weeks, engaging with schools, community centers, and sporting events to promote the spirit of sport and values it embodies.
Key figures from the Organizing Committee, including Ana Bonetti, Manuel Estrella, and Milton L. Ray Guevara, participated in the event, alongside Benny Metz from the Vice Presidency, Elizabeth Mena from CEO Mundial, and Vincent Jean-Marie Le Borloch, Arlene Reyes, and Lidia Rojas.
Sixteen countries will participate in the 8th edition of the U-17 Women’s World Cup, hosted jointly by FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee. These include Ecuador, Nigeria, New Zealand, Spain, United States, South Korea, Colombia, North Korea, Mexico, Kenya, England, Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia, and for the first time, the Dominican Republic.