Rising Star Awards Gala

Celebrating youth leadership. Creating opportunity in Ottawa..

Join us for an evening that recognizes rising leaders and supports life-changing programs for youth across our community.

June 26, 2026 • Lago, Ottawa

The National Capital Blues Foundation is excited to officially invite your organization to participate in our First Annual Rising Stars Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating incredible youth in our community who are making a positive impact through leadership, resilience, academics, sports, creativity, volunteerism, and community involvement.

This special event will bring together community leaders, organizations, educators, families, mentors, and supporters for an inspiring night recognizing young people who continue to rise above challenges and make Ottawa stronger.

We are currently inviting organizations, schools, teams, and community groups to:

This program is designed to recognize youth who demonstrate leadership, personal growth, resilience, and positive impact within their school, sport, and/or community.

The Rising Stars Gala specifically aims to uplift and support youth who may face financial, social, or systemic barriers by providing meaningful recognition, encouragement, and community support for their continued growth and development.

We encourage organizations to nominate youth whose stories, perseverance, achievements, or character deserve to be celebrated and highlighted within our community.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, networking, food, entertainment, and community connection while supporting youth-focused programs through the National Capital Blues Foundation.

We would truly appreciate your support in:

  • submitting nominations,
  • attending the event,
  • sharing this opportunity within your networks,
  • and helping us shine a spotlight on youth who deserve recognition.

Together, we can celebrate the next generation of leaders, changemakers, athletes, artists, and community builders.

Thank you for your continued support of youth in our community. We look forward to celebrating with you at the Rising Stars Gala!

Quick Info

Event details at a glance

Date & time

June 26, 2026 @ 6:00 PM

Location

Lago, 1001 Queen Elizabeth Ottawa, ON

Dress code

Smart Casual / semi-formal

Contact

info@ncbluesfoundation.org

About the Gala

The Rising Star Awards Gala is a celebration of young people who are showing leadership, resilience, and positive impact in their communities. Proceeds from the evening help the National Capital Blues Foundation expand access to sports, mentorship, and supportive programming for at-risk youth from diverse backgrounds across Ottawa. By gathering donors, partners, families, and community leaders in one room, we’re able to recognize achievement while investing in what comes next—opportunity, belonging, and brighter futures.

Awards

Recognizing rising leaders

Nominate a young person (or a community champion) whose actions are making a difference.

The Community Builder Award 

The Community Builder Award recognizes a youth who has demonstrated a deep commitment to strengthening their community through service, volunteerism, and leadership. This award honours young individuals who give their time, energy, and heart to causes greater than themselves, embodying the belief that meaningful change begins with action.

Nominate

The Junior Blues Leadership Award 

The Junior Blues Leadership Award is presented to a youth who has exemplified strength, resilience, teamwork, and leadership through participation in the Junior Blues Sports Program. This award celebrates character development through sport and recognizes those who lead not only through performance, but through attitude, perseverance, and encouragement of others.  It honors youth who embody discipline, respect, and the spirit of growth both on and off the field. 

Nominate

The Baico Next Generation Award 

The Baico Next Generation Award celebrates the power of youth voice and storytelling. Presented to a current or former participant of the Grow A Writer Contest, this award recognizes a young author who demonstrates creativity, courage, and depth through the written word. 

This award honours storytelling that explores human nature, empathy, community, and life’s challenges while pushing the boundaries of imagination and expression

Nominate

The Capital Star Builder

Honours an organization, business, or community group that has supported youth and strengthened opportunity in Ottawa.

The National Capital Blues Rising Star Award 

The National Capital Blues Rising Star Award is the highest distinction presented at the Rising Stars Gala. It recognizes a youth who exemplifies excellence across multiple areas of life, academics, athletics, leadership, and community engagement — while demonstrating perseverance in the face of hardship.  

Nominate

Ready to get involved?

Get tickets, submit a nomination, or ask about sponsorship opportunities for the Rising Star Awards Gala.