The year might be coming to an end, but Natasha Petersen was in full work mode in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as she was part of the Club World Cup held from 12-22 December 2023. Petersen’s role at the tournament was that of the Infotainment Technical Manager within the Infotainment team.
Infotainment, or Sports Presentation, is the merging of information with entertainment elements and is focused on enhancing the spectator experience. Petersen will be tasked to facilitate, coordinate, and assist with delivering all the technical requirements that are needed by the team and liaising with all the relevant stakeholders and suppliers contracted to deliver the Infotainment program at all stadiums.
Now, Petersen is no stranger to working at major international events. She has been part of four World Cups, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Following that, she was immediately involved in the 2023 ICC T20 Women’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, and later, the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and closed the year contributing to the Club World Cup.
She has enjoyed much success over the past two years and says 2023 has taught her a lot on a personal and professional
“I am grateful for all the experiences I have had, the lessons I have learned, and the support that I continuously and consistently received from my family and circle of friends. One thing I am teaching myself is to be present in the moment. The year has been both tough and exhilarating, and I hold gratitude and appreciation in my heart. I realise there are so many things for me to be thankful for.”
Natasha Petersen, Telkom Women of the Year at the 2023 Momentum gsport Awards
In 2023, women’s sport gained significant visibility. Petersen had a front-row seat in witnessing this wonderful year unfold, being part of both the T20 Women’s Cricket World Cup and the Women’s Soccer World Cup Down Under. The events and logistics manager who is a fervent supporter and ally of women’s sport says being part of two Women’s World Cups in a year has filled her with immense gratitude and joy.
“At the heart of it, it’s the lived experience for me, and the stories of teams and players who have spent their lives dreaming of putting on the shirt and stepping out on the grass in a World Cup, who have sacrificed so many things for the chance of having that moment. Being a woman helping to create and deliver those moments and experiences, is an amazing feeling.”
“It’s a job, of course, but more than that, it’s personal joy on top of professional fulfilment. These two events have provided platforms to highlight and uplift the voices of women and their stories. It has elevated women’s sport with a wider impact, and I feel privileged to have been a part of making history,” she added.
Petersen’s job sees her fulfilling her role behind the scenes but she is currently at the forefront of her career. For this reason, she was crowned the Telkom Women of the Year at this year’s gsport Awards held in September 2023. The Capetonian says receiving such an accolade has done wonders for her on a professional and personal level.
“Since winning the Telkom Woman of the Year Award, I have had several opportunities to engage and speak with various groups. Topics include: Closing the Visibility Gap of Women in Sport; non-traditional career paths; the importance of Fan and Community Engagement; and sharing my World Cup experiences,” said Petersen. “I also hosted an Event Management workshop for a group of young people as part of a Community Training and Development Project.”
“I will be forever grateful to the sports team and their project partners and stakeholders for creating this platform that celebrates and enhances the profiles of Women in Sports. I am embracing this chapter of the journey as it unfolds.”
Petersen continues to be a trailblazer in there sphere, while also giving back when she can. Given her current success, it looks like 2024 is set to see her achieve bigger and better things.
Photo caption: The year might be coming to an end, but Natasha Petersen was in full work mode in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Club World Cup which took place from 12-22 December, 2024. Petersen’s role at the tournament was Infotainment Technical Manager, within the Infotainment team. Photo: Natasha Petersen on Instagram
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