Lisbon has become the European Capital of Sport 2021

The recognition was awarded by the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation: ACES Europe and ACES Portugal to the Lisbon City Hall.

Although there is no monetary prize for the title, cities that have been awarded, bequeathed a better future in sports for their citizens. For example, in Antwerp, Capital of Sport in 2013, active people increased by 10%.

According to the ACES Europe the allocation of these recognitions is done according to the principles of responsibility and ethics, being aware that sport is a factor of aggregation of the society, improvement in the quality of life, psycho-physical well-being and complete integration within social classes in the community.

Last year the title of the Capital of Sport belonged to the Spanish city of Malaga. However, Lisbon will have to share its title during the first six months of 2021 with the previous capital since Malaga was not able to hold all planned activities due to the pandemic.

Moreover, this year The Lisbon City Hall is expected to contribute 26 million euros for the development of sport infrastructure and recreation within the city.

On the list of cities which have been awarded the title of European Capital of Sport in the previous years are also: Budapest (2019), Sofia (2018), Marseille (2017), Prague (2016), Torino (2015), Cardiff (2014), Antwerp (2013), Istanbul (2012), Valencia (2011), Dublin (2010), Milano (2009) and Warsaw (2008).

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