The 62-year-old from Bolton obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography at the University of Manchester back in 1972 before going on to represent Britain in wheelchair basketball at five consecutive Paralympics from 1972 to 1988.

He also competed in track and field athletics and swimming at the 1972 Paralympics which were staged in Heidelberg, Germany.

After retiring from the sport at elite level, Sir Philip helped set up the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) and was elected the first President of the organisation in 1993.

He stepped down from the role shortly after becoming IPC President in 2001 and became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2003.

He is also a London 2012 Board member but is perhaps best known for the famous speech he made at the Paralympic Closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford on September 9.

IPC President Sir Philip Craven called London 2012 “the greatest Paralympic Games ever” in his famous speech at the Closing Ceremony

"The Paralympic Games have truly come home and found their pathway to the future here in London," he said to a sold-out 80,000 venue and to millions watching on television around the world.

"The Paralympic Spirit which saw its first sparks of life in Stoke Mandeville some 64 years ago has followed a super-charged and surreal existence over the last 12 days.

"This has made the London 2012 Paralympic Games unique and without doubt, in my mind and those of the athletes – the greatest Paralympic Games ever."

Sir Philip is set to stand for re-election as IPC President next year in what would be his fourth and final term.

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