Adelaide United is delighted to announce the inclusion of the Remo Paris Clubman of the Year Award, in honour of Remo Paris.
Franco Remo Paris was a loyal member of the Adelaide United medical staff since the Club’s inception.
Remo was a valued member of the Club and was loved by players, coaches, and staff alike, for his infectious humour and passion for football. His dedication to the development of football in South Australia was immense and his contribution to the game will be remembered.
As a result, the Club wishes to honour his memory by awarding an Adelaide United player the Remo Paris Clubman of the Year Award at the conclusion of this season and into the future.
The winner of the Remo Paris Clubman of the Year Award will be a United player who has exemplified the Club’s culture and values both on and off the pitch, setting a positive example for all, while consistently putting the needs of the Club before their own.
Remo’s son, Dino Paris, said the acknowledgment from the Club is something his father would sincerely appreciate, thanking the Reds for recognising Remo and the years of tireless service and devotion to the Club that he loved.
“For the family, we will be forever grateful,” Dino said. “The Club has shown a huge respect in honouring our father in such a big way.
“Dad loved every minute of working with the Club and, as most are aware, it was an extension to his family, not just a football team.
“The work he did for United kept him young and he loved making as many people laugh as possible.
“Dad always had belief in the Adelaide players and their abilities and he helped a lot of the boys over the years to get to where they are.
“I know he will be very proud of how well the team has done this season and I’m sure he’ll be watching the match.”
The Club’s Chairman, Greg Griffin, said the award signifies the importance of Remo to the Adelaide United family.
“The naming of the Adelaide United Clubman of the Year Award in honour of Remo Paris was one of the easiest decisions that I have ever had to make.
“The first time I met Remo shortly after we took over the Club from the FFA remains clear in my mind.
“He told me he knew my father in law, Libero DeLuca, from their involvement over many years in football in this State, and hoped we would also have a good friendship going forward.
“I am pleased to say that we did which friendship was bonded when we both accompanied the Adelaide United Youth Team that played in the Weifang Cup under Michael Valkanis in 2011.
“The team we sent exceeded all of our expectations. Many of our brightest and best were in that team, Stefan Mauk, Awer Mabil, Jordan Elsey and Jacob Melling just to name a few.
“I observed first hand just how Remo worked tirelessly to keep the boys fit and ready to compete in an arduous playing schedule as we got further into the Tournament.
“On the last night we succeeded in getting Remo away from the boys to join us for a final dinner at which he entertained us all for hours whilst steadfastly resisting our combined attempts to have him consume the plentiful, but poor quality Chinese wine at the table.
“Remo will be missed by all of us that knew him. His name, however, will live on at Adelaide United.”
The inaugural recipient of the Remo Paris Clubman of the Year Award will be announced at Adelaide United’s 2015/16 Awards Night on Wednesday, 4 May 2016 at the Stamford Grand.