Sofia, the Bulgaria capital city, is the 2018European Capital of Sport, after receiving the flag from Marseille, Capital 2017,

A big ceremony had taken place in the EU Parliament in Brussels, where the awards gala of ACES Europe (the Sports Association of European Capitals and Cities) took place last December.

The decision had been announced in November 2014 by the Evaluation Committee of ACES Europe, on the grounds that “the city is a good example of sport for all, as means to improve healthy lifestyle, integration and education, which are the basis of the initiative.”

By choosing the Bulgarian capital in 2018, Sofia was placed among the cities that over the past century have proven their contribution to the development of many sports through conducting hundreds of national and world championships in the territory of these cities.

The title of European Capital of Sport is not given for hosting sports events, but rather aims to promote an active lifestyle, the development of sport policies and good facilities infrastructure, programs and activities. The focus is on grassroots sport and the importance of sport as a priority in people’s lives.