Patia and Piri impress selectors
Standout football referees Tupou Patia and Terry Piri have earned their spot to officiate at the Pacific Games that will take place in New Caledonia from 27 August – 10 September 2011.
Successfully acing their technical, theoretical and fitness tests, Tupou and Terry will represent Cook Islands Football at the Pacific Games to officiate in the football tournament.
As part of the match officials in the Oceania region, Tupou and Terry also travelled to Auckland to take part in a FIFA/OFC Elite Referee Course.
The expression of excitement and relief showed on Patia for two reasons, acing the theoretical and fitness test and being selected to officiate at the Pacific Games football tournament in Noumea, New Caledonia is a big achievement.
“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. I’d like to think it might encourage more women to try refereeing knowing there is a pathway to reach big events,” says Tupou.
Tupou and Terry 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 in New Caledonia 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,” says Lai.
Cook Islands Football would like to congratulate Tupou Patia and Terry Piri on their selection.
- CIFA MEdia Release

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