IPFBA honoured with prestigious Peter Norman services to sport accolade at Australian Embassy

The Irish Professional Footballers’ Benevolent Association (IPFBA) was the proud recipient of the Peter Norman Humanitarian Award Through Sport Ireland for its services to football at a special presentation held at the Australian Embassy in Dublin on Friday, October 9th.

Presented annually since 2024 to individuals and organisations within the Irish sports sector, the award recognises exceptional community service, solidarity, and humanitarian initiatives.

Peter Norman Day, observed on 9 October each year, celebrates sportspeople who have demonstrated exceptional humanitarian efforts through their involvement in sports.

The IPFBA was chosen for its dedication to supporting former players and championing wellbeing through sport. It was founded with a clear, singular purpose: to support former professional players across Ireland and to look out for ex-colleagues during times of need.

A POWERFUL MOMENT IN TIME

The award honours the memory of Australian Olympic sprinter Peter Norman, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with US sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico Olympics in support of human rights and equality. Peter won the silver medal. Though he did not raise a fist, he stood in quiet solidarity and wore an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge on his jacket.

Sport has the power to change lives, build communities, and promote inclusion. Peter Norman’s principled stand for equality at the 1968 Olympics continues to inspire generations and highlights the role sport can play in advancing human rights and social change.

Harry McCue, IPFBA chair, said: “Receiving this award is a proud moment and a powerful validation of our mission. We are extremely grateful to the selection committee and the Australian Embassy for this tremendous honour, and to the Dr Harry Edwards International Foundation for Sport for Social Good for keeping Peter Norman’s remarkable legacy alive.”