Commonwealth Games hero awarded

BASKETBALL star John Amaechi has been honoured by MMU.

The Cheshire-raised NBA and Commonwealth Games star, who now works in the media and for a host of youth charities, will be made an Honorary Doctor of Science by the Faculty, which is known for its world-class sport science department.

Dennis Dunn, Dean of Faculty said: "John's career resonates with the University's own values of striving for attainment in education; sporting excellence and social inclusivity."

"His commitment to the young in our society, on both sides of the Atlantic, is something that we can all admire.

Stockport

36-year-old Amaechi was born in Boston but raised in Stockport by his English mother and attended Stockport Grammar School. After his talent was noted by a local coach, the Amaechis sought to further his career in the sport and moved to the US.

A 6ft 9ins, 270 lbs centre, he played for Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz, and is the only British player in the NBA Hall of Fame.

In 2000, he astounded America by turning down a $17 million contract offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, choosing instead to return to play for Orlando because he had "given them my word I would play for them again."

John came out of retirement to represent England during the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, captaining the team to the bronze medal. He is now an ambassador for the London 2012 Olympics.

Doctoral studies

Now working in the media, Amaechi covers NBA for Channel 5 and is also studying for a PhD in child psychology. His sister Muriel achieved her own Masters in psychology from MMU.

Outside of broadcasting, Amaechi donates much of his time and efforts to American and British charitable institutions and has a special interest in helping youth.

He is president of the North West Business group of the NSPCC and an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust. He is also an ambassador for One Parent Families and President of Disability Sport England.

His successful basketball camps in both in the UK and US led him to establish the ABC Foundation, a charity which seeks to construct sports centres for children throughout the UK and encourages children to become involved in sports and their communities. The first such facility was built in Manchester, opening in 2002.

'Its your day'

Accepting his award John told the crowd: "I am delighted to accept this honour and very happy to share this day, your day with you all.

"Your excellence and diligence has put you as a graduate in a position of influence. Please go out and try to make your own contribution towards making the world a better place."

In February 2007, Amaechi became the first NBA player to speak publicly about his homosexuality and his book Man in the Middle, discusses his sexuality in the macho world of sport.

Ends

MMU Cheshire has an illustrious association with sport and is home to the world-class (RAE-rated) Department of Exercise and Sport Science.

The Department has a long and proud tradition of working with athletes with disability at national and international level, including disability basketball.

MMU counts among its Honorands Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee.