WAB Chairman, John Crabtree has been appointed Knight Bachelor for services to sport and to the community in the West Midlands, in The New Year Honours List 2023.

The official statement from the New Year Honours List 2023: High Awards 

“[John] was appointed as Chair of the Organising Committee (OC) for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in 2018. He built a committed team, weathered unexpected challenges and kept the numerous Games partners strongly aligned despite only a 4-year planning and delivery window compared with the normal 7 years. Notwithstanding the pandemic and a difficult labour and commodity market, the Games were delivered on time and within the original budget, and showcased the best of the UK to the Commonwealth and the World. Birmingham 2022 was the fastest Games delivered in modern times; the greenest Games with a carbon neutral ambition; and the most inclusive Games. He holds honorary doctorates from the Universities of Aston; Birmingham; and Birmingham City. Since January 2017 he has been the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, the second largest lieutenancy, supporting a population of nearly 3 million people”

Everyone at White and Black is delighted that John has received this deserved recognition. His Knighthood not only recognises his amazing work in organising the Commonwealth Games, but also his many years of dedication and support to his beloved West Midlands. We are very proud to call John our Chairman.

You can read the full list of New Year Honours for 2023 here.