History

The Order of Sport Merit was established in 2000 and is based on the Order of Sport Merit that was founded during the Socialist Republic of Romania in 1966. It is conferred upon Romanian citizens, foreigners, and sports clubs in recognition of exceptional results in national and international competition, including the Olympics. Recipients include professional and amateur athletes, coaches, managers, and competition organisers among others.

Members are received into the Order in the III Class and may only be promoted with additional merits. Clasps denoting multiple awards may be worn on the II and III Class Medals before promotion. Exceptions may be made, notably in the case of Olympic Silver and Gold Medalists who receive the II and I Class Medals, respectively.

The I Class Medal features a reverse inscription that translates to “Sport Merit, A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.”

See also the Order for Sport Merit in the Orders of the Romanian People's Republic (1947-1965) & Socialist Republic of Romania (1965-1989) for the precursor to the current order.