Former Burnley FC director receives highest Mongolian honour

Mr John Sullivan vowed to explore the possibility of students making the trip to study at Turf Moor after following in President’s shoes by being honoured with the award of the ‘Order of the Polar Star’ for his contribution to Mongolian sport and youth development programmes.

Recent recipients of the Order of the Polar Star include United States of America President Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and the Queen of Thailand.

Mr Sullivan, who is also President of the Commonwealth Judo Association, received the award from the president of Mongolia, H.E. Mr Tsakhiagliin Elbegdorj at a special ceremony at the Mongolian Embassy. The President’s son is a fan of Burnley Football Club.

The award also recognises Mr Sullivan’s support for the Olympic sport of Judo and the development of cultural relations and commerce.

Chinuukhei Bat-Erdene, First Secretary at the Mongolian Embassy, said: “We all felt pride when Naidan Tuvinshinbayar won a gold medal for Mongolia and the Beijing Olympics. We hope this achievement will be an inspiration to many of our young people and that Mr Sullivan will continue to provide such opportunities in the future.”

Mr Sullivan added: “I am thrilled and deeply honoured to receive such a prestigious and important award and I will endeavour to further the links with Burnley Football Club and UCFB in the near future, including the possibility of young players and students coming to England.