Mr. Speaker, it is my immense pleasure to pay tribute to Jean-Yves Phaneuf.
He is affectionately nicknamed Johnny and is known as Mr. Soccer in my riding. He was named volunteer of the year in Quebec at the annual Sports Québec gala last week. Mr. Phaneuf devoted more than 40 years of his life to soccer, a sport he continues to be passionate about today at age 77.
Granby's father of soccer was inducted into Quebec's soccer hall of fame in 1999. He is the founding member of the Cosmos soccer club in Granby and the man behind the biggest international soccer tournament in Quebec, an event named the International de soccer Jean-Yves Phaneuf, in his honour.
Mr. Phaneuf deserves all this recognition for his contribution to our young people and for promoting healthy living.
Johnny, we are all very proud of you.