Unsung heroes and heroines will have the light turned on their efforts as nominations open for the Belfast Sports Awards and Hall of Fame.
The prestigious annual event, taking place at Belfast City Hall on Friday, 27 March highlights the contribution and massive difference local volunteers make to the life of local sports clubs.
In addition, many behind the scenes staff such as coaches are central to the success of the athletes who go onto win fame or fortune; they also contribute to making Belfast a fitter, healthier city with a wide range of sporting activities.
Information on how to nominate and the various categories are available on www.belfastcity.gov.uk/sportsawards and nominations close at noon on Friday 20 February.
The Lord Mayor, Nichola Mallon, was joined by Hall of Fame inductee, Joe Swail, to launch this year’s awards.
Councillor Mallon said: “Each year we try to honour the best in sporting heroes particularly those people whose efforts and support normally go unnoticed – coaches and volunteers.Many of our sporting heroes, the ones who win Gold and fame could not have succeeded without the support of their family and club coaches, or volunteers who work behind the scenes. Now is the time to say thank you and to let them know how important their efforts are and how much they are appreciated,” said the Lord Mayor as she urged people to nominate someone.
The Hall of Fame Awards which form part of the ceremony are always hotly contested as inductees are honoured for their sporting prowess and contribution to individual sports.
The legend Joe Swail, was inducted into Belfast’s sporting Hall of fame in 2012. Decide who you would like to join Joe, boxing Coach Gerry Storey, and Olympic Medallist, Dame Mary Peters among others and get nominating now.