Pacific Cup Touch Tournament
The Spirit of Josiah lives on with Pasifika Touch community.
Rise+Shine Josiah Mika Foundation
The Pacific Cup Touch Tournament was launched in 2019. The goal was simple – provide affordable, enjoyable opportunities for our Pasifika people to represent their culture and play the game they love.
Fueled by a committee of volunteers, the event was a celebration of culture and community – bringing together Māori, Cook Island, Samoan and Niuean teams in the inaugural event.
Harley Wall, board member for the Pacific Cup Sports Trust, says:
“The primary purpose of Pacific Cup was never about who won or lost. It was about bringing our people together in a festival atmosphere centered around sport. It encompasses so much of what we love about being Pasifika.”
The representative pathways in touch can be expensive and out of reach for our Māori and Pasifika people. We wanted to change that, and as such, the Pacific Cup was born.”
This year, The Rise+Shine Josiah Mika Foundation will provide support by way of player scholarships for all five pacific cup nations (with Tonga joining the event this year).
Each Nation will receive a grant for four “tamariki touchies” from South Auckland, to fully fund their player registration and uniform fees.
“All five of our nations are immensely grateful for this support. It goes a long way to removing barriers for our tamariki to have fun and represent their culture at the Pacific Cup.
The connection to the foundation for us is special. Josiah represented Samoa with pride in 2019, and alongside his aiga, contributed to what we love today. A tournament for us, by us – inspired by what’s possible.”
Julie Wharewera-Mika, on behalf of the Foundation:
“We are proud supporters of Pacific Cup touch that reflects the vision of the Rise+Shine Josiah Mika Foundation wholeheartedly. Focused on enabling participation, access and inclusion, this Kaupapa empowers our Māori & Pasfika communities to be happy & healthy, feel accepted, connected & a sense of belonging”.
The 2022 Pacific Cup Touch event will take place over two days this November at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga. The Josiah Mika Spirit Award will be presented to a junior player who participates with the same passion & love for the Kaupapa as Josiah did.