Ian Wright has been awarded an OBE for his services to football and charity work in The King’s first Birthday Honours List.
The former England and Arsenal striker, formerly the club's record goalscorer, has continued to be a major figure since retiring. Wright regularly appears on our screens on Match of the Day, but is a major advocate and promoter of women's football whilst also doing terrific unsung work.
Wright is heavily involved in the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust, which aims to make sport more accessible for those from less privileged backgrounds. Wright is among a host of individuals from his spheres of life to be acknowledged for doing such work.
He has said on his role with the foundation: “Playing sport builds confidence and raises aspirations and I’m passionate about making it easier for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get involved in their sporting passion.
"I’m proud to be the patron of the Jordan Sinnott charity which aims to help grassroots sports across the country to thrive.
"Jordan’s passing is a huge loss not only to his friends and family, but the sporting world, so it’s an honour to help champion the charity in his name and turn such a devastating tragedy into something positive.”
Darts trailblazer Fallon Sherrock has also been honoured, receiving an MBE.
The first female winner at the PDC World Championship has been recognised for her services to women's darts. She said: "I am honoured and overwhelmed.
"To have received this level of recognition for my contribution to the game I love is beyond my wildest dreams. I never considered that I would ever receive such an esteemed honour and I am beyond grateful.
"I have been fortunate to hear of the widespread impact that my success has had in getting more people watching and playing darts, and particularly in inspiring girls and young women to take up darts and other sports. That makes me incredibly proud and excited."
She added: "I am looking forward to visiting Buckingham Palace to receive this honour, which I regard as a reflection of the enormous popularity of darts and as a symbol of hope and possibility for aspiring darts players and sportswomen across the country."
Elizabeth Nicholl, the current president of World Netball, and David Clarke, the CEO of the British Paralympic Association have both been recognised. As has Lucy Shuker, the highest ranked woman in the sport in Britain.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has said: ”This year’s honours list is a testament to ordinary people who have demonstrated extraordinary community spirit, and I pay tribute to all those who have been recognised today. Our honours system has long been a way of recognising people who make an incredible contribution to life in Britain and beyond.
“We are now focussed on levelling up the system to ensure it represents the length and breadth of the country, and I hope that the fantastic stories this year ensure more regional nominations in the future.”
