The Council of the IHF is entitled and has the duty to suggest to the IOC eminent personalities for the award of the Olympic Order in recognition of their outstanding merit and success in the development of handball in their own country, their many years of close collaborative links with the IHF and their dedicated service to the Olympic Movement.
Traditionally, the IOC bestows the Olympic Order upon the chief national organiser(s) at the closing ceremony of each respective Olympic Games.
The insignia of the Olympic Order is in the form of a collar (or chain), in Gold, Silver or Bronze according to grade; the front of the chain depicts the five rings of the Olympic Movement, flanked on either side by kotinos emblem (olive wreath).
A lapel badge, in the form of the five rings in Gold, Silver and Bronze according to grade, is presented to recipients to wear as appropriate.
Nadia Comăneci is the only athlete to be awarded the Olympic Order twice (1984, 2004), as well as being its youngest ever recipient.