Explore a Variety of Free Sports Activities in Belfast as the City Celebrates Its Title as European City of Sport.
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Belfast prepares for European City of Sport 2026 launch
Belfast is set to kick off an exciting weekend with the launch of the European City of Sport 2026 initiative. In collaboration with leisure partner GLL, the city council invites residents to participate in a variety of complimentary sports activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.
This initiative, dubbed On Your Marks!, aims to engage the entire community.
Scheduled for the weekend of January 31 and February 1, this event encourages locals to visit their nearest community and leisure centres to explore diverse sports offerings. Whether experienced or new to the world of sports, everyone can find something enjoyable.
Wide array of sports activities
The Open Weekend will feature a broad range of sports, including pickleball, fencing, and inclusive climbing. Families can partake in swimming sessions, while others can try their hand at tennis, bike skills, and martial arts.
All activities are free, providing an excellent opportunity for residents to explore new interests without financial pressure.
Participating centres and booking information
Several community hubs are involved in this initiative, including Lisnasharragh, Andersonstown, Brook, Olympia, Grove, and the Indoor Tennis Centre. Clonduff Community Centre will also participate. With over 90 sessions available for booking, interested participants can easily secure their spots through belfastcity.gov.uk/cityofsport.
Community engagement and support for local sports
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This is a fantastic opportunity for local communities to engage in a year dedicated to sporting excellence.” She emphasized the significance of community involvement, especially following the city’s recognition as a European City of Sport, a title awarded by ACES in November 2026.
Kelly highlighted the vibrant sports culture in Belfast, noting that this open weekend is an ideal occasion for residents to explore new sports and discover additional offerings at their local leisure centres.
Long-standing partnership for community wellness
Gareth Kirk, Senior Regional Director at GLL, reiterated the importance of community engagement. “We have proudly partnered with Belfast City Council for over a decade to make sports accessible and enjoyable for everyone across our 16 centres,” he remarked. The upcoming weekend presents an opportunity for individuals to explore the sports landscape in Belfast, especially as the city embraces its new title.
The focus remains on promoting an active lifestyle, aiming to encourage individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in physical activities. Kirk stated, “We want everyone to feel the joy of movement and become part of a vibrant, healthy city.”
A celebration of sporting excellence
Alongside the Open Weekend, Belfast is preparing for the GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards 2026, which will honor local sporting achievements. Nominations are currently open for athletes, coaches, and volunteers who have made notable contributions to the sports community. The awards ceremony, scheduled for April 17, will recognize the dedication of those involved in grassroots sports.
As part of the European City of Sport program, these awards will celebrate 16 individuals across various categories, allowing the community to acknowledge their sporting heroes. Lord Mayor Kelly emphasized the significance of these awards, stating that they represent the spirit of Belfast’s sporting culture and the commitment of its residents to nurture a thriving sports environment.
Nominations and recognition
Scheduled for the weekend of January 31 and February 1, this event encourages locals to visit their nearest community and leisure centres to explore diverse sports offerings. Whether experienced or new to the world of sports, everyone can find something enjoyable.0
Scheduled for the weekend of January 31 and February 1, this event encourages locals to visit their nearest community and leisure centres to explore diverse sports offerings. Whether experienced or new to the world of sports, everyone can find something enjoyable.1
