The hunt for Belfast's most dedicated sporting figures is officially underway following the launch of the GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards 2026.

This year's ceremony holds particular significance as it integrates into the Belfast European City of Sport 2026 programme, delivered in partnership with GLL and ACES (Worldwide Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation).

Belfast City Council is urging the public to submit their nominations before the deadline of 12pm on Monday 2 March. The awards are designed to celebrate the full spectrum of the city's sporting life, from elite professionals competing on the world stage to the grassroots volunteers and coaches who sustain local clubs.

A total of 16 awards will be presented across seven distinct categories. The evening will also feature the induction of new members into Belfast's Sporting Hall of Fame. These new inductees will join previous recipients Marissa Callaghan and Michael Halliday, who were honoured last year for their significant contributions to local football.

The winners will be revealed during a prestigious ceremony at Belfast City Hall on Friday 17 April. Launching the awards at the headquarters of sponsor GolfNow, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, remarked: "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."

She added: "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."

Supporting Local Talent

Sara-Louise Bowman, Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives at GolfNow, expressed the company's pride in supporting the event: "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."

Nomination Criteria:

- Nominees must reside within the Belfast City Council area OR represent a club/organisation located within the city boundary.

- Nominations must be submitted online via the official council website at belfastcity.gov.uk/sportsawards.