Olympic Bound: Fischer and Barwegen to Represent Canada

As the Paris 2024 Olympics kick off this Friday, the Calgary District Soccer Referees Association (CDSRA) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of our members, FIFA Referees Drew Fischer and Michael Barwegen. Their appointments to officiate at the Olympics underscore their exceptional skills and dedication to refereeing.

Drew Fischer's Journey: Drew Fischer's inclusion in the Olympic referee panel adds to his impressive career portfolio. Fischer, who became a FIFA Referee in 2015, previously officiated at the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, including a semi-final match in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. His vast experience and professionalism have solidified his reputation as one of the world's elite referees, and his selection for the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament to his continuous excellence. Before his rise to international prominence, Drew began his officiating career in local grassroots games in Calgary.

Micheal Barwegen's Journey: Micheal Barwegen has also made significant strides in his refereeing career. He became a FIFA Referee in 2018, and his Olympic appointment follows his participation in the 2022 MLS All-Star Match, the 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments, the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League Final, and the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar. Both Fischer and Barwegen recently officiated the Concacaf Nations League Final, highlighting their high-level officiating capabilities. Like Drew, Micheal started his officiating journey in local grassroots games in Lethbridge, Calgary, and Southern Alberta.

Inspiration for Alberta Referees: Fischer and Barwegen's participation in the Olympics serves as a significant source of inspiration for referees in Alberta. It demonstrates the heights that can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and a passion for the sport. The CDSRA is proud to have supported their journeys and looks forward to cheering them on as they represent Canada, Alberta, and our association on the world stage.

Stay Updated: For more information on their appointments, you can read the articles from Calgary Herald and Sportsnet. Follow the CDSRA on our social media channels for updates on their assignments in Paris and other exciting news.

Pathway to Success: Want to follow in Drew and Michael's footsteps? Visit cdsra.org/programs to discover how you can progress as a referee