The Godfather of Golf Tourism gets OBE
The man widely credited for having created the concept of luxury golf tourism in Europe, André Jordan, has been created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
André Jordan received the award not for his innovative gated golf resorts like Belas Clube de Campo. (A closed luxury country club residential community with golf course near Lisbon) or Quinta do Lago. (a secluded gated residential community with golf course in the Algarve)
The Polish-born Brazilian businessman received the OBE for his dedication, involvement and services provided in support of the development of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
“André Jordan has been a great supporter of the Prize for the past thirty years, which shows his dedication to helping young people find their purpose, achieve their goals and find a place in the world.
“Such dedication illustrates well why this nomination is so deserved. He supported the Prize as a World Fellow, founded the International Special Projects Advisory Board for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and fostered connections with new philanthropists. For all this, and much more, thank you,” said John May, secretary general of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
Founded by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, in Great Britain, the Prize is present in 144 countries, with the participation of more than 7 million young people and annually receives 350,000 new participants. Its commitment is to make this opportunity available to 1 percent of the young population by 2023, that is, the equivalent of 7.9 million young people.
Portugal’s equivalent is the Infante D. Henrique Prize, created in 1987. The President of Honour is the Duke of Braganza and André Jordan was Executive President between 1995 and 2001.
According to its website, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education and leaning, which challenges young people to “dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world”
“Through developing transferable skills, increasing their fitness levels, cultivating a sense of adventure and volunteering in their community, the Award helps young people find their purpose, passion and place in the world,” it adds.
It operates in 144 countries and territories, “helping to inspire millions of young people.”