This was recognised with the Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement at The ANOC Awards 2015 in Washington D.C. on October 29.
The ceremony brought together the world’s 206 National Olympic Committees and some of the best athletes from across the globe in a celebration of sport and its power to unite nations and cultures.
Ten athletes were honoured for their outstanding achievements and performances at each of the five Continental Games from the past 14 months, while IOC President Thomas Bach and long-jump great Bob Beamon were also recognised alongside Ricci Bitti.
“It is a great honour for me to receive the ANOC Lifetime Achievement Award from my friend, ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah in the presence of IOC President Thomas Bach,” said Ricci Bitti.
“I agree that ASOIF and ANOC are the left and right hands of the Olympic movement. The International Federations and the National Olympic Committees are made up of the same dedicated people whose aim is to support sport and the Olympic movement.
“I accept this honour on behalf of my sport, tennis, and of all the International Federations. I am very grateful to everyone at ANOC for considering me.”