Thessaloniki Aiming to Become European City of Sport for 2024

International Thessaloniki Half Marathon. Photo source: azsportsimages.

The Thessaloniki Municipality recently announced that it has submitted a nomination file to ACES Europe, claiming the title of European City of Sport 2024.

According to the city’s mayor, Konstantinos Zervas, Thessaloniki is a city closely linked to sports.

Thessaloniki Mayor Konstantinos Zervas. Photo source: Thessaloniki Municipality.

“Many sports clubs were founded in the city and so many great athletes ’emerged’ from here,” Zervas said during a Thessaloniki City Council meeting last week.

Thessaloniki’s bid for the title of European City of Sport is based on its strong track record in hosting major sporting events, including the European Taekwondo Championships I.T.F. 2016 and the World Rowing Coastal Championships 2014.

The city also has a vibrant sports culture with a wide range of sporting facilities and programs available to residents and visitors.

“Through the institution of the European City of Sports, we wish to expand our sports calendar, which already includes a multitude of sporting events, to cultivate the enthusiasm and culture of sports, fair play and teamwork,” the mayor added.

Thessaloniki’s promenade during the 16th International Marathon “Alexander the Great”. Photo Source: ATGM.

If Thessaloniki is awarded the title of European City of Sport, it will receive a number of benefits, including:

• increased recognition and visibility at European and international levels
• additional opportunities for networking with other cities and sports organizations
• more funds for sports programs and infrastructure
• increased participation in sports activities by residents and visitors

The title of European City of Sport is awarded by ACES Europe, a non-profit organization based in Brussels.

Since its inception in 1999, ACES Europe seeks to promote sport among all the citizens of the European Union, particularly disadvantaged groups, children, the elderly and the disabled, among others.