NIAGARA, Ont. – Long-serving administrator and official John Dawson has been selected to be inducted into Wrestling Canada Lutte’s Hall of Fame as a builder of the sport.

The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, December 6 at the Canada Wrestling Trials in Niagara, Ont.

Dawson, of Sarnia, Ont., served on WCL’s Board of Directors from 2008 to 2018, and served on several committees including the Governance, Hosting, and Discipline Committees.

He was the president of the Canadian Association of Wrestling Officials from 2004 to 2008, and served on the CAWO Executive until 2017.

As an official, Dawson was a FILA / United World Wrestling official from 1970 to 2006. He officiated at three Pan American Games and three Commonwealth Games. He was also the co-editor of the WCL rulebook for over 10 years.

“John has been a great on mat official (provincially, nationally and internationally), mentor, leader, clinician, parliamentarian, director, role model, committee member, and a founding member of the recently renamed Canadian Association of Wrestling Officials,” said Ron Moncur, CAWO Past President and 2008 WCL Hall of Fame inductee.

“John lead by example and had a calming affect on coaches, athletes and officials alike.  His leadership also spilled over to Sports Officials of Canada as he was on their executive. Many current and past members of CAWO owe their success to the input John gave.  He is very deserving of the recognition of being a member of the WCL Hall of Fame.”

Dawson’s induction ceremony will begin at 4:30 pm at the Scotiabank Convention Centre on December 6.