UNITED KINGDOM – The NBA basketball player-turned-social entrepreneur John Amaechi has been awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to sport and to the voluntary sector, it was announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List, released earlier this week. The awards, which recognize outstanding merit and service, are published twice a year, at the beginning of the new year and on the Queen’s official birthday.
When he first picked up a basketball at the age of 17 John Amaechi was told that he was ‘too late for the game’ and ‘not athletic enough’. Proving both these assessments wrong, he went on to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association. He led England’s basketball squad to its first-ever international medal, at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006.
John Amaechi said, “I am deeply honored by this recognition by Her Majesty the Queen. I believe that much of my success is directly attributable to my family and close friends who have always supported me, as well as to those individuals and organizations with whom I have been privileged to partner over the years, to promote equality and human rights here in the U.K. and across the world.”
Commenting on the news, David Stern, Commissioner of the National Basketball Association, said, “John Amaechi is an inspiration to millions, and a great ambassador for his country and the sport of basketball. As a consummate professional during his playing days and through his continued community service, John truly represents the ideals of the NBA. On behalf of the entire NBA family, I want to congratulate John. I can think of no one more deserving of such a prestigious honor.”
Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International U.K., said, “Amnesty International has worked with John Amaechi for a number of years, across a variety of areas of work. We have enjoyed his support, contribution and enthusiasm in a range of human rights campaigning.
“John works closely with Amnesty on LGBT rights, and often acts as a spokesperson on these issues. He is dedicated to ensuring that the world of sport operates within a human rights ethos, and to promoting a greater understanding of human rights in all sports.”
