The City of Novi Sad, by the decision of the European Federation of Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES Europe), has officially received the title of European City of Sport for 2026. In the official congratulatory message sent to the city by the President and Founder of ACES Europe, Mr. Gian Francesco Lupatelli, it is stated that Novi Sad received this recognition thanks to its exemplary sports policy, widely available sports programmes, high-quality infrastructure and strong engagement in the field of health, education, inclusion and promotion of respect.
“Your city has shown a strong commitment to the core values of the ACES organization and deservedly becomes part of its international family,” it was pointed out in Lupatelli’s address.
This prestigious recognition is a strong confirmation of the many years of strategic work and systematic investments of the City in the development of sports, sports infrastructure, support for young athletes, as well as improving the quality of life of our fellow citizens through the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
– As the Mayor of Novi Sad, and on behalf of all institutions, athletes, coaches, teachers, volunteers and all those who have invested effort in this success, I extend my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to all citizens of Novi Sad, but also to all citizens of Serbia. This is our joint recognition of our love for sport, for selfless support, for the spirit of togetherness that adorns us. The recognition that Novi Sad received as the European City of Sport for 2026 is the result of our consistent and continuous commitment to the development of sport. In recent years, we have made numerous investments in sports infrastructure, worth over EUR 35 million, from the construction and reconstruction of sports halls, fields and facilities, bicycle paths, to strong support for school, club and amateur sports. We continue to invest in sports. This year, we will allocate 988 million dinars. At the same time, we will continue to invest in the development of culture, education and environmental protection, the improvement of communal infrastructure and the economic development of the city. This title not only encourages the further development of sport, but also gives a strong impetus to tourism, international cooperation, cultural exchange, education, social inclusion and the promotion of public health. Novi Sad shows that it is a city that believes in togetherness, and through sports it proves it every day – said the Mayor of Novi Sad, Žarko Mićin.
The ceremony on the occasion of awarding the title will be held at the end of 2025 at the European Parliament in Brussels, where Novi Sad will be presented as one of the leading European cities in the field of sports. On that occasion, our city will compete for an additional recognition – the title of “European City of Sport of the Year”.