PDC President Barry Hearn OBE received the Coutts Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Sport Industry Awards in London on Wednesday.
The star-studded ceremony marked the 20th staging of the Sport Industry Awards, which recognises the work done to unite communities and drive the industry forward.
Hearn was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award to recognise his contribution across 40 years as Chairman of Matchroom Sport in a wide range of sport, including darts.
Hearn spent two decades as PDC Chairman before passing the baton to son Eddie earlier this year, moving into semi-retirement in a role as President.
After being presented with the award by Eddie on Wednesday, Hearn said: "To receive this award, I'm eternally grateful.
"In 1975 I started promoting sport, I did it for one simple reason; because I'm a failed sportsman. I love sport, I'm passionate about it. I always wanted to be heavyweight champion or to play for England.
"I've ended up, since 1982, the Chairman and now the President of Matchroom Sport. We have given young men and women the opportunity to change their lives through sport.
"Irrespective of where they have come from, sport lets you get even against the world, and that's what sport is about. It's why we dedicate ourselves and go the extra mile and create a work ethic no one else can live with, because we are special.
"Sport is all embracing and we need it more than anything else through these difficult times.
"There are over 150 people in the Matchroom group and I want to thank every one of them because I wouldn't be here without them, including my son who reminds me so much of me!"
Wholesome Hearns ?#SIAwards2021 pic.twitter.com/WIeVCZnriS
— Sport Industry Group (@SportIndustry) September 8, 2021
The Sport Industry Awards ceremony also recognised England footballer Marcus Rashford MBE with the Integrity and Impact Award for the remarkable work he has done – both on and off the pitch – in fighting for those less fortunate, less represented, and less heard in our society.
Other notable winners on the night included Sky Sports, who claimed Media Organisation of the Year, for their work in both broadcasting and driving social change through sport.
Click here to see a full list of winners at the Sport Industry Awards 2021.