Cardiff has been successful in securing the prestigious title of European Capital of Sport 2014.
The announcement was made by officials from the European Capitals of Sports Association (ACES) at an event held in Valencia this week.
The winning bid followed an inspection of the city by a team of delegates from Europe.
During the visit they took a tour of some of the city’s sporting facilities including Cardiff International White Water and Cardiff City Stadium.
It was recognised that Cardiff has firmly established itself as a leading city for sport, offering state of the art stadiums and facilities including the Millennium Stadium, SWALEC Stadium and Cardiff International Sport Stadium.
The title of European Capital of Sports recognises the city’s commitment to providing sport as a social function whilst using it to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of its citizens.
Cardiff has played host to many national and international events, including the Ashes, Rugby World Cup and FA Cup finals, helping to secure a worldwide audience of millions.
The Judges were particularly impressed with the support of grassroots sport through its Sport.Cardiff programme helping to train and deploy hundreds of coaches into schools, sports clubs and communities and has provided over 350,00 participatory opportunities.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Rodney Berman said: “There is no denying the city already has a fantastic sporting pedigree.
“We have successfully delivered several large sporting events, established a leading grass roots sports programme and have some fantastic first class sports venues. Our approach to the development of sport through both the Private and Voluntary sectors has been heralded by the Judges as a best case example for Europe.
“Cardiff is an ambitious city and this will be a huge boost not only further heightening our status as a top sporting destination but underlining our commitment to sport as a way of promoting health and wellbeing.”
Executive Member for Sport Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “To be awarded European Capital of Sports recognises the city’s investment of time and money to establish a successful sporting infrastructure and our dedication to ensuring there is access for sport to all.”
“We should be both proud of the recognition and excited by what the future holds for sporting opportunities in the capital.”
President of ACES, Gianfrancesco Lupattelli said: “Cardiff is a wonderful city with a genuine ambition to use sport to improve and change the lives of its citizens, there is a real connection between facility development, major events and grass roots school and community sport, the award for Cardiff is well deserved and they can now join a growing network of European Capitals and Cities”
