Patia and Piri woo selectors

Standout football referees Tupou Patia and Terry Piri have earned their spot to officiate at the Pacific Games in New Caledonia from August 27 to September 11.

Successfully aceing their technical, theoretical and fitness tests Patia and Piri have qualified to represent Cook Islands Football as officials.

As part of the match officials in the Oceania region, Patia and Piri also travelled to Auckland to take part in a FIFA and OFC elite referee course.

The expression of excitement and relief showed on Patias face after acing the theory and fitness tests and being selected to officiate at the Pacific Games football tournament in Noumea.

I am so happy about my performance and the same to my colleague Terry Piri. We both prepared ourselves well before leaving for Auckland and it has paid off.

This sort of appointment will no doubt open doors for other local referees in the country. My advice to them is to stay focused and not give up hope as opportunities are there for the taking. Id like to think it might encourage more women to try refereeing knowing there is a pathway to reach big events, says Patia.

Patia and Piri encourage other eager referees to take up the challenge to pick up the whistle and try out officiating in football tournaments here on Rarotonga.

According to Lai Gukisuva, chairman of Cook Islands Football referees, to have our local referees selected to officiate at the Pacific Games goes to show that we have potential and capable people who can do the job well. On behalf of Cook Islands Football family, I would like to wish Tupou and Terry all the best and hope they make the country proud. Cook Islands Football congratulates Tupou Patia and Terry Piri on their selection.