Bill McInnes OBE Awarded FIBA Order of Merit Posthumously

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Bill McInnes OBE, who played a key role in establishing the British Basketball Federation (BBF), has been awarded the FIBA Order of Merit posthumously.

McInnes passed away in March, and was the interim Chair of the British Basketball Federation at the time. He was recognised with the FIBA Order of Merit, which is bestowed upon “a person who has distinguished himself/herself in the field of basketball and having rendered exceptional services to sport, either through personal accomplishment or through his/her contributions to the sport of basketball.”

Commenting on the award Ian Curryer, Interim Chair of the British Basketball Federation, said: “Bill’s accomplishments within the sport are difficult to sum up in a few words.

“With success at every stage of his career, he shone. Bill was instrumental in his work, both on and off of the basketball court. He served as our chair, was a member of the National Olympic Committee, chaired the British Masters Basketball Association and was a Director with Basketball Scotland.

“He was recognised for his services to basketball in the Queens 2000 New Year’s Honours list with an award of an OBE and now, to cement his legacy, he has been given the FIBA Order of Merit posthumously. We only wish he was here to see it”.

As a player and team captain Bill represented both Scotland and Great Britain on 176 occasions. He started all of his 28 competitive Great Britain games, and was the leading scorer in 8 of them.

Lisa Wainwright, Chief Executive Officer of the British Basketball Federation, added:

“It’s a fitting tribute that FIBA have awarded the Order of Merit to Bill. It still saddens me that he is not physically with us anymore, but his name, work and spirit continue to shine, particularly with this recognition.”

Kevin Pringle, Chief Executive Officer of Basketball Scotland, said:

“To be awarded the FIBA Order of Merit is yet another acknowledgement of the exceptional impact Bill had on Scottish, British and International Basketball over such a long period of time. I can’t think of a more fitting recipient of the award.”

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