Ireland became the first country to use a national referendum to make such a decision, with 60 per cent of the public supporting such a change in a vote held on May 23.

The Medal of Honour is the most prestigious in a series of awards designed to acknowledge "outstanding individuals and institutions whose work contributes to the mission and values of the FGG".

Other recent recipients include American author and journalist Patricia Nell Warren and Canada's David Secter, director of the 2005 film "Take The Flame" Gay Games: Grace, Grit, and Glory".

A series of other legacy awards will be announced during the FGG's Annual General Assembly in Limerick, Ireland, from October 16 to 18.

They will recognise the "extraordinary contributions of those who ensure the success of the Gay Games, who promote shared values, and who contribute to the community". 

Elsewhere during the meeting, in which full and associate members will be present, discussions will be held on past and future activities while there will also be FGG Board Elections. 

A delegation from Paris will also present their plans for the 2018 edition of the Gay Games.

A full list of previous Legacy Award winners can be found here.

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