He played in a variety of local men's competitions until he was 50 and because of his kids, he continued his love of basketball through coaching and mentoring teams to victory.

Now, the Lithgow Basketball Association president has been recognised for his decades of dedicated and unselfish service to the sport.

He was awarded with a Distinguished Long Service Award at the NSW Community Sports Awards on Thursday, June 20 at NSW Parliament House.

"I wouldn't have stayed involved without my own kids Christopher and Adam, I'm very humbled to have received the award, there are so many people out there who deserve it, I'm just doing what I love," he said.

The awards recognise outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW.

Mr Marjoram was one of 20 recipients from a wide-cross section of sports to receive their award from NSW Minister for Sport, John Sidoti.

He said the award was a bit unexpected but he was proud of it.

"I knew I was getting an award but I didn't know what it was for, I was shocked and now I'm truly honoured," he said.

Mr Marjoram said he didn't really need awards but he was proud to bring another one to Lithgow.

"I just want to help the kids of Lithgow and get them involved in sport.

"Every kid I can help keep off the street and on the right track, that's good enough for me," he said.

He said he has enjoyed being around the game and helping achieve things for Lithgow Basketball.

"A lot of the things I achieved wouldn't have happened without the people around me. I've got good association directors, a good coaching director and referee director," he said.

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Mr Marjoram also wanted to thank his wife Jill, who did a lot behind the scenes of basketball.

"My family is very supportive and I was so proud of having them there when I received my award," he said.

This year marks 57 years for Mr Marjoram in basketball. He said he hadn't planned on leaving just yet, but the time would have to come eventually

"I love being around the game, I might retire in 18 months because there are other things in life but I dread that day because it will be tough to walk away from," he said.

During his dedicated decades Mr Marjoram said he had made some lifelong friends across the state.

"I have made some unbelievable friends, it's one big basketball family," he said.

He also encouraged more people to get involved and help out behind the scenes of the sports their kids played in.

"Just when your kid's game is over for the day doesn't mean you should just go home, other people need help, you might be a volunteer but it's rewarding," he said.

Sport NSW Chairperson Carolyn Campbell said Mr Marjoram was a worthy award recipient.

"Sport in NSW relies on people such as Richard who have voluntarily dedicated their time over many decades. Put simply, sport would not exist without them.

"Without these hard-working, selfless volunteers, tens of thousands of boys and girls, men and women, would not be able to enjoy the health, social and community benefits sport provides," she said.

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