A Sheffield sporting icon, who has played an integral role in organising several international competitions in the city, has been presented with an award for outstanding contribution to local sport.
Yuri Matischen founded and became chairman of the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks basketball team after coming to Sheffield to help stage the World Student Games in 1991 when he found himself inspired by the incredible sporting facilities constructed to support the games.
He was subsequently a pivotal figure in organising the European Swimming Championship and the Special Olympics Great Britain when they came to the city.
Mr Matischen, who was completely stunned to be presented with the award on Thursday evening, said: “When it comes to Sheffield, sports is in its DNA.
“I feel so proud to win this award in this great sporting town.”
Since beginning his work in Sheffield over 30 years ago, Mr Matischen, who is also managing director of Sheffield-based sports event company, MLS Contracts Ltd., has focused on community work, centring on education and inspiring the youth.
His work, in basketball alone, has led to 640 junior players and an academy team.
Ellie Colton, BBC Radio Presenter, who hosted the awards alongside Cllr Jayne Dunn, Lord Mayor of Sheffield, said Mr Matischen’s efforts have significantly promoted Sheffield as a global sporting venue.
Mr Matischen’s list of significant sporting roles in Sheffield does not stop there, as not only did he develop a major event strategy for South Yorkshire, but he is also director of Park Community Arena Ltd.
The Park Community Arena Ltd. drove the construction of the UK’s first carbon- neutral multipurpose community arena, the Canon Medical Arena, an integrated Medical Diagnostics Centre which is also the permanent home of the Sharks.
He said: “We have used sport as a vehicle to reach communities.
“We have an education programme and offer community outreach coaching, it has been a tentacle that has reached the entire city.”
Mr Matischen will continue his contributions to the sporting community of Sheffield alongside his partners who he thanked when receiving the award.
