Top Sports Award For Millar

Dr Syd Millar, a legendary figure in Irish and international rugby, is to receive the Spirit of Sport award from the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) for his outstanding services to sport.

The award will be presented to Dr Syd Millar, the former Ireland prop and team manager and current President of Ballymena RFC, by GAISF President Hein Verbruggen at the opening of the 43rd GAISF General Assembly in Denver, USA, on March 27.

The recipients of the award are selected by the GAISF Awards Commission following nominations received by their respective federations.

The Spirit of Sport award recognises those who through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the pursuit of sport excellence, sportsmanship, sport participation or other legacy using sport as a major contributor to the betterment of society.

In a remarkable career spanning over five decades, Millar achieved all that there is to achieve and more at the highest level of sport as a player, coach, manager and administrator.

Having made his name as a front row forward of note with Ballymena and Ulster, he made his debut for Ireland against France in 1958 and went on to win 37 Test caps.

He made three British & Irish Lions tours, gaining nine Test caps, and has also been coach (1974), team manager (1980) and chairman (2001) of the Lions.

Culminating in his chairmanship of the International Rugby Board, from which he retired at the end of 2007, Millar is recognised as one of the foremost figures in rugby.

He ensured the modernisation of the IRB structure and the creation and delivery of the unprecedented global strategic investment programme that underpins the development of the game worldwide.

During his tenure, Millar was always determined that the IRB did what was best for the game. His immense contribution will be remembered as an important period in rugby history.

The GAISF General Assembly is preceded by the SportAccord International Sports Convention, from March 23-27.

The convention will see all international sports federations gather for a series of meetings and workshops on important themes in the international sports industry.

The IRB will be represented at the convention by President Bernard Lapasset and Secretary General Mike Miller.