Winnipeg Sun May 27/2004 - Peg official heading to Athens

By KEVIN ENGSTROM, STAFF REPORTER

Hector Vergara is getting another kick on the world stage. The Winnipegger learned late last week he has been appointed to work as an assistant referee at the Summer Olympics this August in Athens. Vergara, a FIFA assistant referee who worked several games at the 2002 World Cup, is one of only two Canadian officials who were asked to work the under-23 tournament.

"I'm ecstatic -- this is one of the things I've always dreamed about," he said.

Vergara said he was a little surprised to get the call considering his previous experience at the World Cup. Every other event leading up to the World Cup -- including the Olympics -- is considered a training ground for young officials hoping to one day make it to that tournament, he said.

"The guidelines FIFA typically uses is they would take young referees with less experience to the Olympics than those who already have World Cup experience," he said. "It's not the first time they've done this -- I'm not even the only referee from the World Cup who was selected for this -- but it doesn't happen a lot."

Vergara -- whose resume includes 12 years of international refereeing -- said his wife Joanne is particularly excited by his Olympic appointment. She competed in swimming at the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona.

"Having that kind of support from your immediate family is very beneficial and allows me to focus on the things I need to do to prepare for the Olympics," he said.

Vergara will work at least one and possibly more Olympic matches, provided he passes a routine fitness test upon his arrival in Athens. The tournament starts Aug. 11, two days before the Games' opening ceremonies.

The Olympic appointment will only help him as he works toward a return to the World Cup in two years, said Vergara.