DAPHNE, Ala.—The United States Sports Academy Saturday honored Malaysian Prince Tunku Imran, an active participant in the international sport community and political arena.

The Malaysian prince and president of Olympic Council of Malaysia was treated to a champagne brunch after the ceremony—fitting, since he turned 61 the same day.

Academy President and CEO Thomas Rosandich introduced the guest of honor.

“We at the academy are very pleased with the turnout from the community,” associate dean of academic affairs and master of ceremonies, Dr. Arthur Ogden said. “The support from the mayor was most appreciated.”

Mayor Fred Small presented the Malaysian dignitary with a key to the city of Daphne.

Small’s daughter, Kimberly, gave Imran a signed softball and thanked him for his contribution to sports and to young athletes across the world.

“The prince was very impressed,” Ogden said. “He was most gracious and complimentary.”

Ogden added that the academy is in talks with Malaysian officials about creating a sports studies program abroad.

“We’ll deliver our degree programs,” he said.

The academy offers a variety of speciality degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Imran has served as president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia since 1988 and has been an academy board member since 1985.

His experience in sports policy includes: founding chairman of the Foundation for Malaysian Sporting Excellence; member of the Management Board of the National Sports Council from 1997 to 1999 and then again from 2001 to 2008; and he is president of the Malaysian Cricket Association.

Imran—Malaysia’s national squash champion in 1973—served as president of the World Squash Federation from 1989 until 1996.