The award recognises people with special personalities and social commitment. Dr Tsegaye received the recognition in the heavily contested category for facilitating a transfer of knowledge, volunteerism and most importantly the development of sport, especially judo, in Ethiopia.

Senior officials were invited to the ceremony and Princess Mariam Sene Asfa-Wosen, the granddaughter of the late Emperor Haile Selassie, was the guest of honour. Other personalities were also honoured, such as a female doctor who saved the lives of thousands of children under great challenges, the person who planned and successfully led the fight against illiteracy so that over 50% of people could read and write, or the one who opened a cancer clinic and helped hundreds of people with cancer treatment.

During the ceremony, it was noted that Dr Tsegaye Degineh asked Johannes Daxbacher, in 2009, for his help and judo-expertise in Ethiopia, bringing modern judo to the country, enabling thousands of children to learn the sport and coaches to open judo clubs. Dr Tsegaye promoted the establishment of the Judo and Ju-Jitsu Association in Ethiopia, supported athletes with his own financial resources and sent hundreds of tatami, judogi and coaches to support the development.

He taught and made it possible for women and children, especially police and military, to learn judo and self-defence. Dr Tsegaye Degineh also advises sports authorities on sports policy and knowledge transfer in sports and represents the interests of the Ethiopian diaspora. He trains high level officials in project management, working culture and mindset in Ethiopia, and currently works at Mercedes Benz in the Human Resources Department as a Diversity and Sustainability Officer. Two years ago, he was awarded the Cross of Merit of Federal Presidents of Germany.