The GSD Humanitarian Award recognises the exemplary work of those individuals and organisations that have contributed to the development of better individuals and communities through sport.

It means that Sir Philip will receive a $100,000 (£63,480/€75,763) grant to use towards advancing his interests in youth sport development, while GSD will officially present him with the accolade at a ceremony held at London's Globe Theatre on July 28 during the London 2012 Olympics.

"I am particularly gratified with this award because providing more opportunities for our youngsters to enjoy the benefits of sport is truly one of my greatest passions," said Sir Philip, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and sits on the London 2012 Board.

"We are seeing promising results from the youth development programmes the IPC has launched in cooperation with GSD and others, and I continue to be excited about increasing our ability to reach out to and strengthen the grassroots of all Paralympic sports."

Dr Steven Ungerleider, a founding board member of GSD, praised the IPC President for the work he has done to receive the award.

"Sir Philip is a true champion of sport in all senses of the word," he said.

"Winning medals is one thing, but providing opportunities for others to enhance themselves moves society forward.

"We need more humanitarians like Sir Philip."

The award recognises Sir Philip's contributions to sport at all levels, which began when he competed in wheelchair basketball and swimming at the Munich 1972 Paralympic Games before going onto become a five-time Paralympian in wheelchair basketball between 1972 and 1988.


Sir Philip also served as chairman of the Great Britain Basketball Federation and became the first athlete to lead the sport worldwide when he was elected chairman of the Wheelchair Basketball Section of the International Stoke Mandeville Games Federation in 1988.

He then founded the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation in 1989 and served as its first President from 1989 to 2002.

Since December 2001, Sir Philip has served as IPC President where he has not only overseen the most successful editions of the Paralympic Games but has also helped drive the IPC's focus on sport development.

In 2003, he was elected a member of the IOC and in the position he has worked to strengthen the cooperation between the IOC and IPC and endeavoured to raise the interests of Paralympic sport and its athletes the highest international levels.

"Sir Philip's example on the court and work off it has created countless opportunities for youth to experience the thrills and lessons sport provides," added David Ulich, another founding board member of GSD.

"Recognising this type of contribution to society is what the GSD Humanitarian Award is all about."

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