Desa received the award during the WAKO Cadets and Junior World Championship in Dublin, Ireland.

"Mr Desa has a long history in WAKO working in many aspects of the organisation and has a service attitude and preciseness that is highly appreciated by the organisation,” said Borislav Pelevic, WAKO President.

“He operates with high integrity and is an important asset in WAKO.

“For me it is important to highlight the fact that sport has no borders, we are all friends and my respect for this person is high."

The award was launched in July in cooperation with the International Fair Play Association (CIFP), with the aim of intensifying the focus on fair play in sport, placing the behaviour as a priority.

Since its foundation by UNESCO and a number of international sports governing bodies in Paris in 1963, the goal of the CIFP is the worldwide defence and promotion of fair play.

The CIPF is recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

The prize consisted of two plaques, one for organisations promoting the values defined in the policy and one award yearly to an individual that has made an "extraordinary contribution" within the fair play rules defined.

A special trophy was presented by CIFP President Jenö Kamuti to WAKO vice-president Espen Lund for his work to promote fair play.

"This work is so important and I can already now see the inspiration this brings to the organisation,” said Kamuti.

 “I am impressed what I have seen here and the massive numbers of cadets and youth that are enjoying sport and fair play."