UK Sport is delighted to announce that Deputy CEO Simon Morton has been awarded an MBE for services to sport in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.
Simon’s MBE is in recognition of the role he has played in transforming the UK’s programme of major sporting events into its world-renowned position; creating extraordinary moments to reach, inspire, and unite. His MBE is also awarded in recognition of his exceptional leadership of high-performance sport, which has resulted in a wealth of positive social, economic and reputational impacts across the national and international sporting landscapes. Over the last sixteen years, Simon has led a range of teams and high-profile projects at UK Sport including the introduction of the Code for Sport Governance and continues to provide vital counsel and advice that shapes the future of Olympic and Paralympic Sport and UK Sport’s own legacy.
Beyond his UK Sport responsibilities, Simon has actively contributed to the delivery of some of the nation’s most prestigious and wide-reaching sporting events, sitting on the Boards for; 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart, 2017 World Athletics and Para Athletics Championships and 2019 Road World Cycling Championships.
On receiving news of his award, Simon said: “It’s been a privilege to be part of the remarkable journey that British sport has been on these last two decades, and so rewarding to see that success bring people and communities together in the most powerful way”.
“Through the extraordinary sporting moments and events we’ve helped to create, we’ve not only been able to positively impact the lives of millions of people across our country, but we’ve also helped people around the world to see our country as a friendly and welcoming place”.
“I’m so grateful to have worked alongside some of the most brilliant people at UK Sport, whose efforts ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of international sport."
Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport said: “We are absolutely delighted that Simon has been recognised for the incredible contribution he has made in shaping the Olympic and Paralympic sport landscape over the last sixteen years. Simon leads with great humility and is a hugely respected figure both within UK Sport and across the sporting landscape.
"An MBE is fitting recognition for everything he has done for sport in this country. I’m so pleased for him.”