Congratulations to John Nike, Chairman of the Nike Group of Companies, who was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty The Queen in the New Year's Honours list.
John's services to business and the community in Bracknell were cited as the reason for receiving his honour. It is well-known that he is tireless in his work for the local community, both publicly, through his companies, and privately. His two sporting teams, the Bracknell Bees and Thames Valley Tigers, for example, constantly devote time to meet with young people in the area. John ensures that both the Coppid Beech Hotel and John Nike Leisuresport centres across the country support different local groups by allowing them to use their facilities.
The same applies for John's commitment to charity - he donates money by fundraising at such events as the free fireworks display for the Bracknell townspeople and collecting at the annual pantomime on ice at John Nike Leisuresport, Bracknell. The extent of his generous personal donations, however, remains undisclosed.
John was obviously delighted with the award, which he received from HRH Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 13 February. He said: "I guess there is a stage in one's life when one is doing things for the community and there is an expectancy. When it does come it's a nice feeling. The recognition is great and I'm very pleased and happy about that."
John was asked if he was prepared to receive the OBE in November of last year but was sworn to secrecy until January.
"The magnitude of such an award doesn't hit you, though, until you can tell your family. When I did the 'phone around' I really felt the emotion rush and rise through my body."

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The Nike Group will be a major sponsor of the first event in the county to celebrate The Queen's Golden Jubilee. It will be attended by the HM The Queen and Prince Philip in May.
Berkshire Golden Youth is a day-long festival to celebrate the achievements of local children in the fields of sport, the arts and culture. It will also offer them a chance to try out activities which they might not usually have the opportunity to do.
Some 2,000 youngsters, from the ages of eight to eighteen, will be invited to Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, near Marlow, on 10 May to demonstrate their skills in front of the royal visitors.
John Nike, Chairman, said: "A considerable part of my business is concerned with providing sport and leisure facilities for the community. We cater for the whole family and I believe that by encouraging young people to take a healthy interest in sport, they will reap the benefits of fitness, teamwork and enjoyment that will last their whole lives."
Other talents on show will include football and gymnastics. The arts will be represented with dance, juggling, magic and drama.