Every year since 1985, the IOC has presented a Trophy with a different theme, according to current trends.

The theme for 2013, "150 Years, Pierre de Coubertin, Sport as a School of Life" gives an opportunity to recognise iconic contributors who have promoted Olympism in the long-term in their work or service and who have left a legacy.

Teo, who is also Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, was presented this year's award at the annual Singapore Sports Awards.

Teo, 59 has been a serving member of the SNOC for 20 years having joined as vice-president in 1994, before taking the reign from Yeo Ning Hong as President in 1998.

During his leadership, he encouraged and supported the hosting of the 2001 General Association of International Sports Federations Conference, 117th International Olympic Committee Session in 2005, the Inaugural Asian Youth Games in 2009, the first-ever Youth Olympic Games in 2010 and the 6th International Olympic Committee International Athletes' Forum in 2013.

All events which, according to the SNOC, "won international acclaim and set high benchmarks for games organisation, and engaged the nation to participate in sports and volunteerism."

Teo Chee Hean was honoured with the "Olympic Order in Silver" after the success of the 2010 Youth Olympic Games ©Getty Images



Teo was instrumental in setting up "Project 0812", an initiative set up in 2007 which looked to push Singapore's elite athletes into winning an all-elusive Olympic medal.

The project proved a success as Singapore's women's table tennis team won a silver medal at Beijing 2008, followed by two bronze medals in the table tennis women's team and singles events at London 2012.

As well as holding many offices in politics, as a member of the People's Action Party, Teo has been a lifelong advocate of sport, a position recognised after the successful 2010 Youth Olympic Games when he was awarded the "Olympic Order in Silver".

Teo was also a key figure in the introduction of the Singapore Olympic Foundation (SOF), a programme formed in 2010 which looks to support young athletes from financially-challenged backgrounds.

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