Stoke-on-Trent is named European City of Sport 2016

06 Aug 2015

Stoke-on-Trent has been named the European City of Sport for the UK for 2016, it has been announced.

The prestigious honour was bestowed upon the city after a "unanimous" decision by the judging panel, who were hugely impressed with the passion and commitment show to putting sport and health at the heart of plans to regenerate the city.

During a three-day visit, four representatives from ACES Europe (European capitals and cities of sport federation) examined Stoke-on-Trent's sport facilities, the opportunities available to communities and the promotion of sport in the city. And they had no hesitation in awarding the title to the city, which puts Stoke-on-Trent on a par with European destinations including Bilbao, Bordeaux, Parma, as well as Gateshead and Cardiff.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council led the bid to become a European City of Sport and was supported by 12 of its partner organisations, including Stoke City and Port Vale Football Clubs, Staffordshire University, YMCA North Staffordshire and Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent,

John Swanson, vice-president of ACES Europe, said: "The delegation was unanimous in their decision to award the title to Stoke-on-Trent. We witnessed a great deal of passion and commitment to regenerate the city over the coming years and the fact that this regeneration is getting planned with sport and health at the heart of it was a key factor."

 

 

 

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