Do you know someone that deserves to be celebrated at the Spirit of NI Awards 2026?

Cool FM is proud to once again partner with the incredible Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards - celebrating the everyday heroes who make our communities shine.

The event is all about recognising everyday people who achieve extraordinary things.

Sunday Life and the Belfast Telegraph is calling people across Northern Ireland to help them to celebrate unsung heroes from all walks of life at this year’s Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank.

They are calling for nominations for people from every county across Northern Ireland who have gone above and beyond for others, excelled in their field, shown immense bravery or overcome great adversity in life.

Take a look back at last year's glittering event 👇

There are 13 categories in our Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank, including Charity Champion, 999 Hero, Spirit of Health, Spirit of Education, Spirit of Youth, and Spirit of Sport.

You can nominate by emailing your entry to [email protected] explaining why you believe that person or group deserves an award.

The finalists will be honoured at a star-studded gala ceremony on Friday, September 18, at the Culloden Estate and Spa in Co Down, with our media partners Cool FM and UTV also covering the event.

The audience will be filled with many local celebrities supporting the event and eager to hear the incredible stories behind the finalists.

Check out the full list of categories:

⭐ Charity champion (sponsored by Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group): An individual who has worked tirelessly for a charity as a volunteer or as a fundraiser for many years, making a difference through their work.

⭐ Spirit of Education: A truly inspirational teacher, lecturer, classroom assistant or another key figure in education who has helped children and young people fulfil their potential.

⭐ Unsung Hero (sponsored by The Boulevard): An individual whose great deed or deeds have previously gone unnoticed but who has made a major contribution to your life or to your community.

⭐ Caring Spirit (sponsored by Power NI): A person who has dedicated their time to caring for a friend or family member.

⭐ Young Carer (sponsored by Punjana): A person under the age of 18 who has dedicated their time to caring for a friend or family member.

⭐ Spirit of Youth (sponsored by Better): Someone under the age of 18 who should be recognised for their special achievements.

⭐ Spirit of Sport (sponsored by A Aesthetics): Someone who has made an exceptional contribution to sport over a number of years. This can be an inspirational coach, a club volunteer, or someone who has helped others participate in sports.

⭐ 999 Hero (sponsored by Four Star Pizza): A member of the emergency services or group from the emergency services who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in their job.

⭐ Spirit of Health: A medical professional who has gone the extra mile to improve the health and wellbeing of their patients and their families.

⭐ Environmental Hero: An individual or community group that has gone the extra mile to care for and protect the local environment. Whether it’s organising litter picks, campaigning for cleaner water, or encouraging future generations to recycle, we want to honour this volunteer for their work.

⭐ Overcoming Adversity: Someone who has overcome huge personal challenges, whether it is dealing with illness or disability, or overcoming problems.

⭐ Community Hero (sponsored by Nearby): Someone who has made an outstanding contribution to their local community and made their neighbourhood a better place to live.

⭐ Outstanding Contribution (sponsored by Ulster Bank): This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Northern Ireland and its local communities, creating a lasting impact, driving positive change and embodying the true spirit of Northern Ireland. This award can be chosen by the judges from any entries in the awards.

How to nominate someone:

Email your nomination to [email protected]

The closing date for nominations is Sunday 28th June 2026