Sport NI Chair George Lucas has been awarded an MBE for services to Tennis and to Sports Management and Administration in the King’s New Year Honour List.
George commented:
“I am delighted to receive this MBE for services to tennis and to sports management and administration in Northern Ireland. I first picked up a tennis racquet at the age of five and I am still playing today at 78! It has been a pleasure to support my local club Downshire Tennis Club Hillsborough, Ulster Tennis and Tennis Ireland in various leadership positions over the years to help grow the sport.
“I am a firm believer in the power of sport to change lives and during my eight years as Chair of Sport NI we have worked closely with sports governing bodies to grow grassroots sport and provide pathways for our athletes to compete at the highest levels. Club memberships have increased by almost 50%, as we encourage and support more people to take part in sport and physical activity. I hope this growth will continue in years to come, as we take inspiration from the incredible success of our athletes in 2024.
“This award is also an acknowledgement of all the people I have worked with on boards and committees over many years.”
Interim CEO, Richard Archibald said:
“We would like to congratulate George on this award and thank him for his service to Sport NI as Chair over the past eight years. He has played an instrumental role as we work to maximise the power of sport to change lives.”