COLORADO SPRINGS, C.O.- Aaron Sher (Park City, Utah) was presented the Order of Merit Award Friday evening at the Official International Hockey Federation (FIH) Congress Dinner at the Fairmont Montreux Palace, Montreux, Switzerland. Sher served on the FIH Executive Board for six years. He has shared his passion for the sport and devoted his time, entrepreneurial and leadership skills with USA Field Hockey and the Olympic Movement since the early 1980’s.
The Order of Merit Award is awarded to no more than four candidates every two years and may be presented to members of the FIH or outside individuals for distinguished service and/or exceptional achievement or contribution over a minimum period of ten years.
Sher has positively impacted USA Field Hockey and its movement toward an olympic medal by serving as the Director of Events on the Board of Directors. From 1993-1998, Sher was an integral part of expanding the National Field Hockey Festival and turning it into the largest field hockey event in the world. This event allows amateur athletes to participate in a nationwide field hockey competition, and in turn helps raise the level of play within the United States. Sher also represented USA Field Hockey globally by serving on an Overview Group at the 1998 FIH World Cup in Holland and by serving on the FIH Executive Board for the past several years.
In addition, Sher has served the broader Olympic Movement by participating in several unique roles. In 1984, he was the Hockey Competition Director of the Los Angeles Olympic Games and in 1996 he was a Consultant and Officials Coordinator of the Atlanta Olympic Games.
"Aaron Sher has been a hockey mainstay throughout his many decades of work. He has inspired thousands to become involved in the sport both within the USA and internationally and he continues his work through his involvement with Pan American committees and additional work in the USA," said Steve Locke, USA Field Hockey Executive Director.
Aaron has clearly demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the US Olympic Movement through his dedication to USA Field Hockey. Additionally, his drive to bring the Olympic Games to the USA (New York 2012 and Chicago 2016 Olympic Bids) has brought passion, excitement, and pride to the Olympic Movement within the United States.
USFHA media release