Volume No. 1 Issue No. 101 - Friday May 18, 2007
Patrick John Elected to CONCACAF Hall of Fame
Dominica�s former football chief Patrick John says he is elated over his CONCACAF Hall of Fame induction.
John, also a former Prime Minister of Dominica, Canadian Dr Rudy Gittens, and Arturo Yamasaki, of Mexico, were inducted into the CONCACAF Hall of Fame for 2007 during the CONCACAF Congress at the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, last weekend.
�Frankly I am in fact elated at this honour,� John told CMC Sport.
Unable to be present at the induction, John�s award was received by Harold Taylor, of FIFA Development Office.
John has contributed to the development of football as both a national player for some 14 years and as an administrator.
He was President of the Dominica Football Association (DFA) from 1992 until last year, when he was ousted and believes his honour is a redeeming factor for him, since in his own country, his work for the game has been questioned.
�One of the things that really touched me is the fact that you know the saying a �prophet is not honoured in his own country�. I have done quite a bit for football in Dominica.
�(But) you go around and you hear some people say that �Oh he has done nothing� and then you look at CONCACAF, which covers the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Central America (on the whole) and the Caribbean, and I am singled out among all those top administrators to gain that honour. It is a clear indication that my input at that level has been clearly appreciated by the executive committee of CONCACAF and also the general membership,� John said.
John believes one of his most satisfying accomplishments is building a DFA office, putting an end to decades of improper administrative management of the country�s football affairs.
�Prior to the building of that administrative office in 2003, the football office was at the back of my car and my home, and it was very embarrassing that you drive around with files of the association at the back of your car and some of the things at home,� he said.
CONCACAF says John has had a �profound impact� on football in the Commonwealth of Dominica, CONCACAF and the Caribbean Football Union.
In 2004, his extensive body of work for this country, his region and his confederation was recognized when he was a recipient of the FIFA Centennial Order of Merit,� CONCACAF stated.
Dr Gittens was inducted for his work in sports medicine and Yamasaki for refereeing.
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