President of the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) Lee Harmon has joined the likes of Pelé and other world football greats after becoming a recipient of the FIFA Order of Merit.
Harmon was publicly presented the award by FIFA Vice President and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President Reynald Temarii in Rarotonga at the inauguration of CIFA’s ‘House of Football’.
The FIFA Order of Merit, or the FIFA Centennial Order of Merit as it is otherwise known, is the highest honour awarded by FIFA and is given to those who are considered to have made a significant contribution to football.
In accepting the award, President Harmon acknowledged the support of his CIFA colleagues.
“I would like to dedicate this award to every executive I worked with, in the past and current. This award is also for the members and players of Cook Islands football,” he said.
“It is a good feeling to receive an award for something you love doing.”
President Harmon also gave credit to Tony Hole, who first nominated him into the CIFA Executive Committee 19 years ago.
Harmon took over the rein in 1997 and has overseen FIFA Goal Projects – culminating in the CIFA headquarters at Matevera on the main Island of Rarotonga which includes a football academy, international playing pitches, adminstration facilities and all-purpose complex for players, officials, media and spectators.
At the recent inauguration, President Harmon said it was perhaps the most momentous occasion for the Cook Islands since the country gained FIFA recognition in 1994.
“This inauguration dawns a new day for the Cook Islands, a new day for our people and for football. These facilities will give our young people the opportunity to achieve their full potential at national and international levels – it really is a ‘Field of Dreams’."