Glasgow bids to become 'European Capital of Sport' in 2023

Glasgow is to bid to become the European Capital of Sport in 2023.

Lord Provost Eva Bolander and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor David McDonald, made the announcement at the city’s iconic Emirates Arena.

If successful, Glasgow would be the first city to win the coveted title twice. It would also mark 20 years since it first gained the accolade, back in 2003.

Glasgow earned its earlier European Capital of Sport title by demonstrating its commitment to supporting grassroots level sport as well as its ability to attract major sporting events.

Since then, the city’s sporting reputation has grown exponentially, hosting a series of world-class sporting events at outstanding venues; including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the first ever European Championships in 2018.

This year Glasgow will hold the 2019 European Athletics Indoor Championships and the European Short Course Swimming Championships. In 2020, the city will host the World Men’s Curling Championships and UEFA European Championship football matches.

In the last decade Glasgow has invested more than £200m in its sporting venues attracting world-class athletes and international supporters and spectators.

Since 2009, attendances at Glasgow Club sports facilities have increased by more than 50%, meaning more and more adults are taking positive steps to improve their health and wellbeing.

In addition, the number of junior members attending sports clubs across the city has more than quadrupled, demonstrating children are increasingly becoming active in sport at an earlier age.

Sport also adds huge value to the city’s economy contributing approximately £367m and employing around 10,000 people across the sector.

Last year Glasgow retained its title as the fifth best sporting city in the world according to the SportBusiness Ultimate Sports Cities awards. Winning the 2023 European Capital of Sport title would add another jewel to the city’s crown of sporting glory.

The Lord Provost said: “Glasgow routinely punches above its weight when it comes to its sporting reputation. As one of the world’s top five sports cities, we’ve a consistent track record of using sport to overcome the health and wellbeing challenges we face by involving local communities in major sporting events.

“Our city is excited to be bidding, once again, for the title of European Capital of Sport. If successful, we’d be the first city to hold the title twice. I’m looking forward to the bidding and judging process and wish our 2023 title competitors - Italy’s Genoa and Ukraine’s Kryvyi Rhi – the best of luck.

Gian Francesco Lupattelli, President of ACES Europe, said: “I have fond memories of being in Glasgow during 2002 and 2003 when the City won the award in 2003 and I am delighted that Glasgow has again decided to contest the award again for 2023 on the 20th anniversary of the previous award.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing the city again and I wish Glasgow good luck with their bid in what will be a very strong competition with Genoa and Kryvyi Rhi.”

ACES Europe is a non-profit association based in Brussels which annually awards the titles of European Capital, City, Community and Town of Sport. The allocation of these titles is awarded according to the principles of responsibility and ethics, sport bringing together the local community, improvement in quality of life, psycho-physical wellbeing, and complete integration within social classes in the community.