Guayaquil, American Capital of Sport 2026: An appointment that resonated across the country

Guayaquil, Ecuador — 29 April 2025.

The official designation of Guayaquil as American Capital of Sport 2026 has generated an unprecedented echo in Ecuador's leading media outlets. Renowned newspapers such as El Universo, Expreso, Extra, Metro Ecuador and other print and digital outlets devoted extensive coverage to this international distinction, highlighting its historic importance, its social impact and the city's commitment to physical activity and sport.

The announcement, granted by ACES Europe and backed by the Association of European Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES Group), was received with enthusiasm by municipal authorities, educational institutions, athletes and citizens in general. The publications highlighted not only the award, but also the concrete actions that support this choice: more than 65,000 people benefited by municipal sports programmes, inclusive events, investment in infrastructure and the articulation of a forward-looking sports agenda.

The recognition was made visible through front-page headlines, iconic photographs of Parque Samanes —one of the city's sporting epicentres—, interviews with young athletes and mentions of initiatives such as Guayaca Sporty and inter-neighbourhood tournaments. The official Guayaquil 2026 logo was also included in institutional campaigns already circulating in the press and on social media.

At ACES we celebrate this communicational reach, which not only positions Guayaquil as a sporting reference on the continent, but also inspires other cities to follow this path of transformation through sport.