Trustee of the Leicester Riders Foundation Kevin Routledge has received a British Empire Medal for services to the sport of basketball and the local community of Leicester.
Canadian-born Kevin is currently the longest serving club Chairman within the British Basketball League and joined entertainment stars such as Olivia Colman, Elvis Costello, MIA, Bear Grylls, Feargal Sharkey, Dan Snow in being formally acknowledged by the Queen as part of her Birthday Honours list.
Kevin’s association with British basketball first began as a player (1974 – 1979) representing the Loughborough All Stars team. After a brief business secondment to Pittsburgh he returned to successfully combine his playing career with club administration and media duties.
He eventually went onto become the Chairman of the British Basketball League from 1988 to 2002; and was also a Director of the national governing body, England Basketball.
Kevin has worked on many multi-sport and community activities in the Leicester area and was responsible for the new £6m Leicester Arena build and launch. The Arena opened on budget on 27 January 2016 and on top of being home to the Leicester Riders it has become a much-valued asset for community use.
Sir Rodney Walker, BBL Chairman, congratulated Kevin on being bestowed such a prestigious honour:
