By Paul Smith 
Coventry Rugby Executive Chair Jon Sharp has been selected by the City Council to receive the Coventry Award of Merit.
This hugely prestigious honour is given to a small number of people who ‘reflect the highest ideals of citizenship, improve the good name of Coventry and inspire its residents’.
Launched in the 1960s there have only been eight award ceremonies over the years, and none since 2019, with just 46 individuals and organisations being chosen as recipients.
Mr Sharp is named alongside former Sky Blues manager Mark Robins, Two Tone icon Pauline Black, academics Professor Stuart Croft and Sybil Hanson plus Councillor Abdul Salam Khan to receive an award later this year.
Councillor Gavin Lloyd’s award citation paid tribute to Mr Sharp’s achievements during his long business career and in particular the pivotal role he played in rescuing Coventry Rugby from impending collapse and building it into one of the top 15 rugby union clubs in the country.
“Jon Sharp is a true Coventrian who was born in Hillfields and developed his love for rugby while a student at Bablake Grammar School,” it says.
“After building a successful career in the aero industry, John returned home to take over at Coventry Rugby Club as it was on the verge of bankruptcy.
“The club is now in its best place for a generation and Jon has built strong community links with schools and local clubs, and launched “Project 500’ which has helped over 6,000 children enjoy activities and hot meals.”
Congratulating the six winners, Leader of Coventry City Council, Cllr George Duggins, said: “The Award of Merit is not awarded often, it is not an annual presentation, but only given when people have shown outstanding commitment to our city and those who live here.
“The six people we are honouring are wonderful examples of that dedication and I am delighted that they are being recognised.
“They have not only excelled in their own chosen fields, they have taken their pride in Coventry and love for their city and used their skills to give something back.
“They are great Coventrians, and very worthy recipients of this great honour.”
Previous award winners include world record breaking athlete David Moorcroft, head of Jaguar Sir John Egan; poet Phillip Larkin; Sir Basil Spence, designer of Coventry Cathedral; and Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine.
Mr Sharp said he is thrilled to be honoured by his home city and to join such an elite group of award winners.
He said: “As a ‘Coventry kid’ I am very proud of my city and to receive its highest award is a great honour. Thanks to everyone who has supported me.”
