Cardiff announced as 2014 European Capital of Sport

Cardiff has been awarded a prestigious title for its commitment to sport.

The city will be the 2014 European Capital of Sport after being inspected by European sporting experts.

Venues include the Millennium Stadium, SWALEC Stadium and Cardiff International Sports Stadium all got full marks for being state of the art.

Gianfrancesco Lupatelli from the European Capitals of Sports Association (ACES) congratulated the city.

He 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.”

The award will be a boost for the city after it announced it was preparing a bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Council leader 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.”

The city will be awarded £17,676 towards sporting projects and a council spokeswoman said the city would hold a number of events throughout 2014 related to sport.

Executive member for sport, leisure and culture, Coun 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.”

What do you think about Cardiff winning the award? Do you play sport in the city? Let us know your views in the comments below

Related posts:

1. Cardiff City’s House of Sport development launched
2. Commonwealth Games could come to Cardiff in 2026
3. Cardiff aims to cash in on 2012 Olympics
4. Safer Capital Festival hailed a success
5. Stars shine on Sport Relief

1st April, 2011 92002http%3A%2F%2Fyourcardiff.walesonline.co.uk%2F2011%2F04%2F01%2Fcardiff-announced-as-2014-europeancapital-of-sport%2FCardiff+announced+as+2014+European+Capital+of+Sport2011-04-01+08%3A00%3A33Ed+Walkerhttp%3A%2F%2Fyourcardiff.walesonline.co.uk%2F%3Fp%3D9200 Ed Walker