Angela DeSilva To Umpire At CAC Games
Bermudian Angela DeSilva has been selected as an international umpire for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, this summer.
DeSilva has already gained international experience, having served as the only local hockey umpire at the Women’s Pan American Challenge in Bermuda in 2024.
She also umpired at the CAC Games qualifiers in Salamanca, Mexico, in May last year, where the Bermuda women’s national team secured qualification for the quadrennial multi-sport event.
A former Bermuda hockey goalkeeper, DeSilva, who started umpiring in 2018, said the CAC Games will represent the high point of her umpiring career so far.
“The Women’s Pan American Challenge will always be special as it was my first international experience,” DeSilva told Bernews.
“The qualifiers were also special because I got to umpire the gold medal match.
“However, these Games will definitely be the highest level I’ve done. It’s a step up and will be special for that reason.”
The Games, which celebrates its centennial edition, will bring together more than 6,000 athletes from 37 nations from July 24 to August 8.
“I could be assigned to any women’s game,” DeSilva said.
“There are always two on-field umpires and one reserve, plus there could also be video umpires at this tournament. You rotate between these roles.”
A former Swifts and Budgies player, DeSilva said being selected for the Games was a rewarding moment.
“When a tournament comes up, you always start looking at your e-mails and hoping something comes through your inbox,” she said.
“When I found out, it was a great feeling.”
Locally, DeSilva plays a key role in developing and supporting officials.
“I organise and recruit umpires for the Bermuda Hockey Federation,” she said.
“I’m often watching matches and giving feedback to the umpires.
“I’ve actually really found this helpful for my own umpiring. I’ve been able to take things in from a different perspective.”
DeSilva has also been preparing for the tournament off the pitch by improving her Spanish skills.
“I’ve always had an interest in the Spanish language, but this has pushed it over the line,” she added.
“It’s important to be able to connect with people, even off the pitch.
“When you get on the pitch, you can be twice as good. Hopefully my efforts pay off! I’m quite shy about speaking Spanish. It’s a slow progress.”
