Geoffrey Karran to receive Freedom of Douglas
Isle of Man sport chairman Geoffrey Karran is to receive the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Douglas.
The honour recognises his tireless dedication to charitable causes and the promotion of the global profile of the Isle of Man through sport.
Mr Karran said: "It's a great surprise. I am so humbled to receive this award from the town of my birth."
He will join Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Norman Wisdom, Mark Cavendish and the Bee Gees on the roll of honour.
Council leader David Christian said it was a "unanimous decision" to award the honour.
"He is the very epitome of service to the community and has championed many deserving causes and, in so doing, helped make a very real difference to people's lives, in particular the lives of those less able," Mr Christian said.
Mr Karran was awarded the MBE in 2008 for services to sport and the disabled.
He was a driving force behind the development of the Isle of Man's National Sports Centre and served as chairman of the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games organising committee.
Mr Karran said: "The things that I have achieved during my life can largely be attributed to the fantastic support I have received from my family and also by being privileged to work with so many dedicated, talented and efficient people in the various groups I have been associated with."
The 65-year-old has worked to develop sporting facilities on the island for both disabled and elite athletes.
He added: "I have lived in Douglas all my life so to receive this is just incredible."
The ceremony will be held at Douglas Town Hall on 14 September.