Fysentzidis, the vice-president of the International Olympic Academy, was given the Hellenic Association of Physical Education Alumni award at a ceremony held at the Faliro Sports Pavilion Arena in Athens.

The venue played host to taekwondo and handball when the Greek capital hosted the Olympic Games in 2004.

His prize was given to him as part of the 15th edition of the "Art, Sport, Science and Society Routes" awards.

The Greek Olympians Association were among the contributors to the awards, along with the Panhellenic Gyms Association, the National Association of Physical Education Alumni, the Association of Gym Owners in Attica and the Institute of International and Greek Sports Law.

The Hellenic Association of Physical Education Alumni is one of the five bodies organizing the Apollonia Awards every year.

The award was won in 2015 by legendary Greek film director Yannis Smaragdis.

A number of other members of the sporting world were honoured at the ceremony in Athens, including kickboxing world champion Mike Zambidis, who is nicknamed “Iron Mike”.

Clea Hadjistefanou Papaellina, President of the Cyprus Sports Organisation, and former basketball coach Panagiotis Giannakis also received prizes.

They were joined by composer Takis Mousafir, the singer Tasos Chalkias and the Deputy Mayor of Palaio Faliro Municipality, Alexander Koromila, in receiving an award.