On Monday 18th Jan, Wrestler Mohammad Ali was presented with the Local Hero Award by Dominic Walsh of Sport Northern Ireland in a glittering ceremony at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.

The gala awards, supported by The Belfast Telegraph, Magners and Sport Northern Ireland, honoured 12 top sporting heroes from both the amateur and professional fields.

Northern Ireland Sports Minister, Nelson McCausland said, “I welcome this opportunity to celebrate Northern Ireland’s sporting talent – it is a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication of all our sportsmen and women who are such great ambassadors for Northern Ireland.” 
 

THE GREATEST: Dominic Walsh, Sports NI, presents Londonderry-based wrestler Mohammad Ali with Local Heroes award

Said Barry Pollin, Chairman of Northern Ireland Wrestling Association, “I was really happy for Mohammad last night and freestyle wrestling is nudging it’s way in at last!”
 
 

• Sport Northern Ireland story
• Article, with thanks to Belfast Telegraph (2.16MB)
• Extract from awards booklet (0.38MB)