Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black laced up her gloves to help launch the 2023 Belfast Sports Awards.
Cllr Black was at Ormeau Boxing Club on Thursday and stepped into the ring with two-time Commonwealth Games medallist Carly McNaul to officially open the nomination process for the popular awards.
The Belfast Sports Awards shine a spotlight on the sporting achievements of local athletes at the very top of sporting competition to grassroots level.
Read more: Belfast personal trainer overcomes drink and drug addictions to help others
It also offers an opportunity to recognise the dedication and commitment of coaches and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide a springboard for their athletes to achieve success.
The Lord Mayor is encouraging everyone to get nominating and is looking forward to a fantastic evening, celebrating Belfast’s sporting talent.
Councillor Black said: “Belfast punches well above its weight when it comes to sporting success and we want to celebrate all of the many wonderful achievements our local athletes have made over the past year.
“Not only will we celebrate our athletes, but we also want to share the successes of our coaches and recognise the dedication of our wonderful volunteers who sacrifice so much of their own time and effort to help others achieve to their full potential.
“So, I’m calling on all the citizens of Belfast to get nominating and give your sporting idols a night they will never forget.”
Previous winners at the Belfast Sports Awards include Lady Mary Peters, Carl Frampton, Dr. Michael McKillop, Wayne McCullough, David Humphries, and George Best (posthumously).
This year, there will be 13 awards presented in total across seven categories.
Those categories include Pathway to Clubs, Healthy Lifestyle sponsored by Active Belfast, Coach of the Year sponsored by GLL, Team of the Year sponsored by Decathlon, Sports Personality of the Year sponsored by Commonwealth Games Council and Sports Medicine NI, Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Clubforce and Sporting Hall of Fame sponsored by Belfast City Council.
The closing date for nominations is 12 noon on Friday 10 February 2023. Those shortlisted will be invited to attend the awards ceremony on Friday 10 March 2023 at Belfast City Hall.
An online nomination form and more information is available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/sportsawards
READ NEXT:
- Man Utd supporters' club in Co Down is second biggest in the world
Cliftonville Ladies trio added to Northern Ireland squad to face Italy
Crusaders boss Baxter has "no issues" over new Premiership challenge
Positive mural from Newtownabbey football club shows 'best of the community'
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
