A prestigious award has been bestowed on long serving New Zealand sports administrator Susie Simcock by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

The World Squash Federation's Emeritus President has been made a New Zealand Olympic Order holder, following her decision to step down from the NZOC board, after more than a decade of service.

The prestigious award is granted in recognition of an outstanding and enduring contribution to the Olympic movement of New Zealand.  Only 32 recipients have received the award in the 100 years of New Zealand Olympic history.

Susie Simcock say she was totally taken aback when presented with the award:  "It is an unbelievable honour.  I know how prestigious the award is, so to be deemed worthy to receive it is incredibly humbling".

Susie Simcock says standing down from the NZOC was a hard decision, but the time was right to go. "It has been an amazing experience, but you can't stay forever.  I believe the organisation is in great shape at the moment so it is probably the ideal time to get some new blood involved."

However, she will not be lost to the NZOC completely. "While I am standing down from the board, I have agreed to continue my involvement in a number of NZOC projects."

The former WSF President joined reigning WSF President Jahangir Khan and other WSF officials in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month for a planning session in the on-going campaign to have squash included in the Olympic programme in 2016.

Jahangir Khan was not surprised that Susie Simcock had been honoured in this way:  "WSF has had the luxury of having Susie involved at management level for over 20 years.  We know just how much knowledge, problem solving skills and positivism she brings to any sports organisation."

Susie Simcock poses by the Beijing Olympic Sculpture display in Gisborne, New Zealand