The Bulgarian ski resort BANSKO will be included in the list of 400 European cities carrying the title of sports capitals
Bansko defended its nomination for European Sport city for 2017. In the past few days the accreditation committee of the European Capitals and Cities of Sport association (ACES Europe) led by its president Gian Francesco Lupattelli were in the resort in order to assess the nomination. A questionnaire covering all aspects of the sports policy of Bansko municipality was prepared in advance and assessed by the representatives of the European association.
“Bansko impressed us with the fact that such a small European city has already hosted 10 world cups in ski alpine disciplines. At the same time, the local administration follows a policy for supporting the sports activities and sports clubs in the municipality. Our main purpose is to make more popular the active way of life, to stimulate cities so they develop their sports policy and infrastructure. We are impressed by the fact that the municipality led by mayor Geogri Ikonomov provides complete financial support for more than 10 local sports clubs, which allows the children to practice not only the traditional winter sports but also taekwondo, football, kick box, badminton, and others”, said the general secretary of ACES, Hugo Alonso, during his visit.
“The possibility to compete with other European cities for the title European City of Sport has motivated us to work even harder towards making sports more appealing to people. Sports give you a lot of good lessons – it teaches you the principles of fair play, it inspires you to perform better and be victorious, it gives you the pleasure of exercising, and improves your health conditions. In 2016 Bansko celebrated its 30-year anniversary as a winter sports center. Since then the resort has developed greatly, and has become a recognizable trade name not only in Bulgaria, but also in Europe. We have proven our desire to grow. The city hosts more than 1 million tourists per year, and a huge part of them practice sports during their stay. We received recognition in 2011 when we were declared The Winter Capital of Europe. For several years in a row the World Ski Organization declares us the best ski resort in Bulgaria. Thanks to Bansko, Bulgaria has received international recognition and has been included in the World Top 20 best winter touristic places. I believe that the honor of becoming an European City of Sports for 2017 is yet another step in the right direction”, said Ikonomov during the official meeting with the European representatives.
