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Date: 19 April 2026
IBF World Welterweight Champion Lewis Crocker was among the winners in this year’s GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards.
The awards ceremony, honouring the city’s athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers, took place at City Hall on Friday evening (17 April), and brought together sports clubs and governing bodies to look back at an action-packed year of sport.
The gala event is part in Belfast’s European City of Sport 2026 celebrations, delivered by Belfast City Council, GLL and ACES – Worldwide Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation.
Accepting his award for Sports Personality of the Year (Male) from his training base in Australia, Crocker paid tribute to the city’s boxing scene and acknowledged the vital role of coaches and volunteers in his journey to sporting success.
He said: “Thanks to everyone who voted for me for this award – it really means a lot.
“From a young boy boxing in Sandy Row, I’m now living my dream, and 2025 was a huge year for me, personally and professionally.
“But it doesn’t come out the hard work and effort of all those around me, in clubs across the city who have all been part of my journey. I’m thankful to every one of them, and this award acknowledges their efforts, as much as my own.”
Sharing the spotlight was Caitlin Fryers from Immaculata Boxing Club who picked up the prize for Sports Personality of the Year (Female), fresh from her own recent medal win at Stranja, Europe’s oldest boxing tournament, and ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
Sports Personality of the Year (Female) winner Caitlin Fryers and her coach from Immaculata Boxing
Two more athletes were also inducted into Belfast City Council’s Sporting Hall of Fame – Arlene Boyles from Pegasus Hockey Club and, posthumously, Kevin Morgan from Olympian Triathlon Club.
The other GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards winners were:
- Pathways to Club (sponsored by Active Belfast) – Jordan Smith from Savage Martial Arts
- Healthy Lifestyle (sponsored by Active Belfast) – Jim McGlinchey from Shaftesbury Healthy Living Centre and Brain Injury Matters
- Young Aspiring Coach of the Year (sponsored by GLL) – Jordan McKeown from Hawarden Tennis Club
- Senior Coaches of the Year (sponsored by GLL) – Martin Lindsay from Immaculata Boxing Club and Phil Gunning from Belfast Trojans
- Female Coach of the Year (sponsored by GLL) – Claire Dowdall from Queen’s University Camogie Club
- Disability Coach of the Year (sponsored by GLL) – David McKay from Malone Tornadoes Mixed Ability Rugby Club
- Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Belfast City Council) – Jonathan McClelland from Berlin Swifts and Swiftettes
- Junior Team of the Year (sponsored by GolfNow) – North Belfast Harriers Athletics Club
- Senior Team of the Year (sponsored by GolfNow) – Phoenix Basketball Club
- Young Athletes of the Year (sponsored by Sports Medicine NI) – Chester Enriquez from Origin Gymnastics Club and Yeva Gavrylova from Cheol Taekwondo Academy
- Disability Athletes of the Year (sponsored by Commonwealth Games NI) – James MacSorley and Katie Morrow
Congratulating the winners, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: “You are all shining examples of the dedication, passion and enthusiasm for sport in our city.
“As a European City of Sport for 2026, it’s vital to recognise all those who give up their time to inspire the next generation of players, get the best from our athletes and help our communities stay fit and healthy.
“Sport wouldn’t happen without the coaches, volunteers, players or fans who show up, week in, week out, and success on both the global scale, and here closer to home, really is a team effort.
“The GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards are extra special too, because they’re voted for by the sporting community itself, in recognition of the talent and commitment of their peers right across our city, in so many different sports. Congratulations to all our worthy winners.”