Former England cricketer Basil D'Oliveira has been awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Three-day eventer Pippa Funnell was awarded an MBE, as was former England football striker Les Ferdinand.
Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee, received a knighthood.
Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Dave Sexton was awarded an OBE while Match of the Day statistician Albert Sewell received an MBE.
In terms of history, few sportsmen or women leave a mark as significant D'Oliveira.
In 1968, the 'D'Oliveira Affair' forced even the conservative MCC to pull out of their tour after the South African government refused to allow a "coloured" man to be in the England squad.
An England side never again toured South Africa during the apartheid years and the sporting boycott did as much as anything to hasten the end of the regime.
D'Oliveira, who moves up from an OBE, was actually South African-born but because he was designated "Cape coloured" he was blocked from playing for South Africa.
Instead, the cricket writer John Arlott helped him launch a career in England, where he established a reputation as one of the best all-rounders in the world.
He played in 44 Test matches for England while his Worcestershire career lasted from 1964 until 1980.
D'Oliveira is now 74 and in ill-health. His son Damian said: "We are all proud and delighted that he has been honoured in this way. It seems the older he gets, the more awards he collects."
The 36-year-old Funnell has won two Olympic team silvers, an individual bronze, a hat-trick of Badminton trophies and the world number one spot.
Funnell, originally from Sussex, was also the first, and still the only, winner of eventing's Grand Slam in 2003.
 |  I'm very honoured but it hasn't really sunk in |
Ferdinand, 38, signed for Queens Park Rangers in 1987 and went on to score goals for Turkish side Besiktas, Newcastle and Tottenham.
The Londoner, who also had spells at West Ham, Leicester and Bolton, was capped 17 times for England and currently plays for Reading.
Ferdinand said: "I'm very honoured but it hasn't really sunk in. I suppose it won't until it all happens and I collect my award."
Sir Philip became president of the IPC and had been president of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation for the previous 12 years.
He was also a Paralympic athlete himself in wheelchair basketball and swimming.
Sexton managed Leyton Orient, Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers, Manchester United and Coventry City before becoming involved with the England Under-21 side.
He helped Chelsea win the FA Cup in 1970 and the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season.
Now 75, he is one of the most respected coaches in the game - and is still part of the Football Association's coaching and scouting network.
Ulsterman Dr Syd Millar, the head of world rugby, has been awarded the CBE. Millar, who already held the MBE, was also a big hit on the pitch, making 37 appearances for Ireland as a prop.
Alex Smith, who was sacked as Ross County boss on Friday, picked up an MBE.
The 65-year-old Scot became only the second manager after Jock Stein to coach two seperate clubs to Scottish Cup success.
MMIX
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