Last weekend's meeting of the FIBA Europe General Assembly in Cannes, France was an opportunity to honour one of European basketball's most dedicated officials as Bernard Lejade of France received the title of Honorary Member of FIBA Europe.

Lejade can look back at an impressive career in which he has always kept a close connection to sport, and specifically to Basketball.

His career has spanned not only decades but has included a working role in nearly every aspect of the game.

Lejade became an international referee in 1955 and 13 years later made the move to the sideline where he successfully coached Morocco to the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.

His work as a FIBA Commissioner took him all over the basketball world, including eight Olympics, four EuroBaskets and two Women's World Champioships.

"Bernard has been with the FIBA Family for more than 56 years and there are few people as deserving of this honour as he is," commented FIBA President George Vassilakopoulos.

"FIBA Europe and the world basketball family take this opportunity to thank Bernard Lejade for his contribution to basketball," added FIBA Europe President Nar Zanolin.