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Date: 29 January 2026
The search is on for the city’s sporting superstars – from the elite athletes smashing it globally to the coaches bringing through the next generation.
Nominations are now open for the GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards 2026, and Belfast City Council is calling on sports clubs and players to submit their selections by the closing date of 12pm on Monday 2 March.
This year, the awards form part of the Belfast European City of Sport 2026 programme, together with the council’s leisure partners GLL and ACES – Worldwide Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation.
There are 16 awards up for grabs across seven categories, as well as the latest inductees to Belfast’s Sporting Hall of Fame, joining last year’s recipients Marissa Callaghan and Michael Halliday, both for their services to the local football scene.
All the winners will be crowned at an event in City Hall on Friday 17 April, bringing together Belfast-based clubs, athletes, coaches and volunteers to recognise their contribution to grassroots sport across the city.
Speaking at the awards launch at the headquarters of event sponsors GolfNow, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Sports Awards back again for their 17th year and taking pride of place in our City of Sport programme.
“This is a wonderful celebration of all those who make sport happen – from the volunteers who give up their time, to the coaches who make dreams into reality, as well as the teams and athletes going that extra mile to be the best.
“These awards epitomise exactly why Belfast has been named a City of Sport for 2026 – the passion, the dedication, the commitment – and there’s something special too about being recognised by your peers through the public nomination process.
“I encourage everyone who plays sport, or benefits from it, to get your nominations in and give a shout out to all those who truly make a difference and create a city full of sporting opportunity.”
Nominations can be made online at belfastcity.gov.uk/sportsawards
Nominees must live in the Belfast City Council area, or represent a club or organisation within the city boundary.
Sara-Louise Bowman, Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives, GolfNow said: “We are incredibly proud to continue our sponsorship of the GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards, a celebration of the remarkable talent, dedication and spirit that make our local sporting community so special. We are particularly honoured and excited to partner with Belfast City Council this year as Belfast is officially named a European City of Sport for 2026.
“GolfNow for Business was born in Belfast and, through hard work and dedication, has grown to global heights. These awards represent our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, promoting positive participation in sport, in particular golf, and highlighting the outstanding achievements in Belfast’s sporting landscape.
“They shine a light on the athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers who inspire us every day, while championing everything that is positive about sport- from teamwork and resilience to wellbeing and community pride. We look forward to honouring those who make sport in Belfast truly exceptional.”