George Kerr to receive top award from Japan
15 December 2010
Ultimate Judo President George Kerr will receive the “Order of the Rising Sun” in January after being named in Emperor Akihito’s November honours list.
Scottish judo icon, British Judo Association and Ultimate Judo President George Kerr will receive the “Order of the Rising Sun” in January after being named in Emperor Akihito’s November honours list.
The revered 73-year-old will be presented with the Japan’s equivalent of a CBE by the country’s Consul-General in his native Edinburgh.
The distinction recognises his enormous contribution to judo and relations between Japan and the UK.
In February, George, who's known as Mr. Judo, received the sports highest accolade, the hugely prestigious 10th Dan, to become only the fifth non-Japanese judoka to hold judo's greatest prize.
His latest honour, Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, has been met with delight by Masataka Tarahara, Japan’s Consul-General in Scotland.
"I am delighted that Mr George Kerr has been honoured with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
"He is the most deserving recipient whose contribution to the promotion of judo over many decades has been outstanding.
"He has also contributed enormously to cultural exchange between Japan and Scotland and done much to increase mutual understanding."
The former European Champion, Olympic coach and referee is overjoyed to receive the honour.
"I'm chuffed to bits, absolutely thrilled,” he said.
"Since I first went to Japan in the late 1950s, I have grown to love the people, the country and its culture.
"To be recognised in this way makes me very proud and very humble. Judo has a wonderful way of bringing people together and forming bonds that last a lifetime.
"I am simply grateful to have been a part of it for so many years and to receive an award like this is immensely satisfying."
Who knows whats coming next? New Years Honours mention?
George became Honorary President of Ultimate Judo at the start of 2010.
Well done George.