AMERICA AT THE HEART OF EUROPE

The European Parliament hosts the presentation of the ACES Awards to American Capitals, Cities and Regions of Sport

The European Parliament was the setting for the gala of the Federation of World Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES), at which the awards were presented to American Capitals, Cities and Regions of Sport, reinforcing the role of sport as an engine of social cohesion, sustainable development and international cooperation.

The event featured the distinguished presence of the worldwide President of ACES, Gian Francesco Lupattelli, as well as the Hungarian minister and former European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, who underlined the value of sport as a strategic tool for the development of cities and territories.

Likewise, the event was attended by Adriana Sánchez, president of ACES América; Ángela Melo, ACES delegate in Africa; and Luigia Di Gisi, UNESCO representative, highlighting the global, inclusive and educational dimension of sport.

The gathering was also attended by prominent members of the European Parliament, among them Brando Benifei, Victor Negrescu, Andrey Kovatchev and Giusi Princi, and featured a recorded institutional message from the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who highlighted the importance of sport as a universal language capable of uniting continents, cultures and communities.

Guayaquil, American Capital of Sport

In a particularly significant moment, Guayaquil was designated American Capital of Sport, recognising its firm commitment to sport as a pillar of urban transformation, social inclusion and economic development.

Distinguished American Cities and Regions of Sport

During the event, the following recognitions were also awarded:

• Escazú and Garabito (Costa Rica) – American Cities of Sport

• Río Claro and Caruaru (Brazil) – American Cities of Sport

• Facatativá (Colombia) – American City of Sport

• Vicente López (Argentina) – American City of Sport

• Ayacucho (Peru) – American Region of Sport

• Limón (Costa Rica) – American Region of Sport

These awards recognise the territories' commitment to the promotion of physical activity, sport for all, health, education in values and the improvement of the quality of life of their citizens.

What does it mean to be an American Capital, City or Region of Sport?

The recognition granted by ACES means, for the award-winning cities and regions:

• International projection and positioning, reinforcing their brand image at European and American level.

• A boost to socioeconomic development, through the attraction of investment, sports tourism and new employment opportunities.

• A sporting and social legacy, with public policies geared towards inclusion, equality and social cohesion.

• Greater investment and strategic planning in sport and physical activity, with a direct impact on citizens' health and wellbeing.

• Integration into the international ACES network, the world's leading network of cities of sport, facilitating the exchange of good practices and institutional cooperation.

• Links and alliances with European and American cities and institutions, strengthening sports diplomacy and intercontinental collaboration.

This event at the European Parliament consolidates ACES as a global reference in the promotion of sport as a tool for territorial transformation and reaffirms the message that America occupies a central place in the global sporting project, with Europe as a strategic ally.