Germany's National Paralympic Committee President, Friedhelm Julius Beucher, has been honoured by the country's President ©DSB

The German Government has honoured the country's National Paralympic Committee President with a major award.

Friedhelm Julius Beucher has been given an Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for his social commitment to Para-sport.

He founded an association for social services in Bergneustadt and also worked for Para-sport as a former Bundestag delegate and headmaster.

"Of course I am happy about this Order," he said, as reported on the International Paralympic Committee website.

"It has been personally given to me, but it is for the entire German Disability Federation. 

"Without the participation of all in our association such an award would not be conceivable."

Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, left, gives the Order of Merit to National Paralympic Committee President Friedhelm Julius Beucher ©DSB
Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, left, gives the Order of Merit to National Paralympic Committee President Friedhelm Julius Beucher ©DSB

Steinmeier offered his praise to Beucher.

"For decades, Friedhelm Julius Beucher has been working to promote the participation of people with an impairment in the Federal Republic, as headmaster, politician and, since 2009, as President of the German Federation of Disabled Persons," he said.

"In doing so, he is equally committed to promoting the individual athletes, whether in sports or in broad activity, and that society is addressing the needs of people with an impairment."