Malinowska-Kowalczyk had been due to receive the award during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games last summer, which were postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Polish NPC opted to surprise Malinowska-Kowalczyk, their newly appointed secretary general, with the glass trophy during their annual awards.

Malinowska-Kowalczyk had been working to ensure the awards ceremony, known as Guttmanny, ran smoothly.

“It was a real surprise because we had to organise in a different way with only live transmission and without guests or audience,” said Malinowska-Kowalczyk, who had her arm amputated due to cancer when she was 11-years-old.

“And it was just a few seconds before the start when this award appeared on the table.

“I was aware of everything that was going to happen apart from this, so it was very nice, and of course it made my day and the year.

“I felt proud of myself but with this consciousness that this was done with the help of many people who have been with me the last 16 years.

“The first time I joined the Paralympic Movement was as a journalist at Athens 2004, so it was a long story and with many people involved.

“And this award turns into motivation to continue to work hard.

“When you get an award, you feel like you can do more.”

Malinowska-Kowalczyk was honoured in the builder category for her "sustained and consistent leadership over a period of time promoting and supporting women in sport".

Polish President Andrzej Duda appointed her as an advisor for people with disabilities in July 2019.

For nearly 10 years she ran the television programme Pełnawodni on TVP Sport, which was dedicated to Paralympic sport and activities for the disabled.

She has also worked in media roles at every Summer and Winter Paralympic Games since Athens 2004.

Jordan’s Maha Bargouthi and the female leadership of Paralympics Australia were recognised in the 2020 Next Generation Leader and NPC/IF categories, respectively.

IPC members have until January 8 to nominate candidates in the three categories.

Winners will be announced on March 8, which marks International Women’s Day.