Leicester Riders chairman 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: “Kevin has been a magnificent servant to the game of basketball in this country for a number of decades and it is fantastic this unwavering service has been formally recognised by the Queen.
“His passion for the sport and its continual development, alongside the great community work he undertakes has long been acknowledged by his peers within British basketball and the people of Leicester.
“I am very proud to pass on my congratulations to Keven and his family for this great honour.”
Kevin’s passion for the sport of basketball shows no sign of slowing down – alongside being the current Chairman of Leicester Riders, Kevin is a Director of Morningside Arena, Leicester, Trustee of the Riders charity (the Leicester Riders Foundation), a Director of the British Basketball League, Vice Chair of the Basketball Foundation, and Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Basketball.
