Ghent University is bestowing an honorary doctorate on marathon runner Bashir Abdi for his top sporting achievements and his social commitment. Ghent University calls the Olympian an exceptional role model. He has founded several organisations promoting health and accessible sports. Abdi came to Belgium as a 13-year-old refugee.
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Honorary doctorate for ‘exceptional role model’ marathon runner Bashir Abdi
Colin Clapson
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In March, Ghent University celebrates the anniversary of its founding, the Dies Natalis, and traditionally awards honorary doctorates. Bashir Abdi will receive the award this year. ‘His achievements at the highest level, combined with his social commitment, make him an exceptional role model.’
Abdi will receive the title from Rector Petra De Sutter. ‘Sport connects, sport motivates, sport makes you rise above yourself: Bashir is a striking example of this,’ she says. ‘The values he promotes – inclusion, social engagement and the pursuit of excellence – are also those of Ghent University.’
Organisation for accessible and affordable sport
Abdi's sporting achievements leave little to the imagination. He won silver in the marathon at the Olympic Games in Paris and bronze in Tokyo.
Abdi's journey is a remarkable one: he fled Somalia for Ghent at the age of 13. He recently spoke about this on VRT television.
Abdi grew up in Ghent and later founded several organisations there. He is one of the driving forces behind the non-profit organisation Sportaround. The association aims to make sport accessible and affordable for everyone. Together with Ghent university hospital, the UZ Gent, he also founded the Bashir Abdi Fund, which focuses on the physical and mental health of healthcare providers.
The award ceremony will take place on 8 March. On 20 March, scietific honorary doctorates will be awarded. Six faculties have nominated a total of seven scientists who have made exceptional contributions and who, according to Ghent University, deserve the honorary title.