FROM AN IDEA TO A GLOBAL NETWORK OF ACTIVE CITIES

A quarter of a century ago, in 1999, a seemingly routine conversation in the office of the then Mayor of Madrid, José María Álvarez del Manzano, ignited the spark of what is now a global movement. In that meeting, the mayor sought the help of Gian Francesco Lupattelli, president and founder of ACES, to promote Madrid inits bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, which were eventually awarded to London. The urgency of the moment led Lupattelli to ponder intensely, searching for an innovative idea that could capture the mayor’s attention and meet his expectations.

HUGO ALONSO

That night, in a central hotel in Madrid, as the city’s hustle and bustle faded and the calm of the early hours set in, Lupattelli found the inspiration he was looking for. At 2 AM, in the dark-ness of his room, he conceived a revolutionary idea: “If there is a European Capital of Culture, why not a European Capital of Sport?” Thinking of Madrid’s impressive sports facilities and its more than half a million users of the Municipal Sports Institute (IMD), a unique figure on the continent, Lupattelli knew he had a powerful idea in his hands.

“If there is a European Capital of Culture,
why not a European Capital of Sport?”

Gian Francesco Lupattelli

The next day, Lupattelli presented his proposal to Mayor Álvarez del Manzano, who did not hesitate to praise it. Thus, the concept of Madrid as the first European Capital of Sport in 2000 was born, a project that saw Madrid and Lisbon compete, with the Spanish capital emerging victorious. This was the first step in a journey that has led ACES to become a global reference in recognising capitals, cities, regions, towns, communities, and islands that promote sport as a key tool for social wellbeing and economic development.

THE GROWTH OF AN IDEA

From its humble beginnings in Madrid, the idea conceived by Lupattelli has flourished into a global network encom- passing over 5,000 cities worldwide, present in more than 50 countries and across four continents. The ACES network has been recognised by the European Commission and is a partner of UNESCO, the OAS, UCLG, and the American and Ibero-American Council for Sport. Moreover, ACES has created the American Week of Sport and is a founding partner of the European Week of Sport.

What began as an effort to highlight Madrid’s sports capabilities has grown to significantly influence the sports policies of cities around the world. Through awards that recognise efforts in sport, ACES has helped transform cities and improve the quality of life for their citizens. These awards not only acknowledge cities for their sports infrastructure but also highlight their ability to promote an active lifestyle, strengthen social cohesion, and generate sustainable economic benefits.

ACES has become a global reference in recognising capitals, cities, regions, towns, communities, and islands that promote sport as a key tool for social wellbeing and economic development

ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND HEALTH IMPACT

ACES’ achievements are not limited to symbolic recognition; they are tangible and have a real impact on the awarded cities. For example, in the economic realm, Andalusia, designated European Region of Sport in 2021, generated an economic impact of 150 million euros through various events. Marseille, as European Capital of Sport in 2017, attracted 20 million euros in investments by leveraging the title to secure public funding. In Piemonte, European Region of Sport in 2022, investment in sport was multiplied by 7.5 times.

In the social realm, Antwerp, European Capital of Sport in 2013, managed to increase the number of active individuals by nearly 10% by organising 365 sports events throughout the year. Similarly, Cali, American Capital of Sport in 2019, increased sports participation in the city by ten points, demonstrating that these recognitions can catalyse positive changes in communities.

In terms of health, Glasgow, European Capital of Sport in 2003 and 2023, introduced ‘movement prescriptions’ for seniors, reducing healthcare costs and allowing for reinvestment in sports facilities. This innovative approach not only improves physical health but also promotes mental health and overall wellbeing.

THE EMOTIONAL AND TRANSFORMATIVE VALUE OF ACES AWARDS

The awards given by ACES are not mere titles; they are emotional and powerful tools in the hands of policymakers. These recognitions motivate cities to foster a more active lifestyle, improving social cohesion and elevating the overall quality of life. The visibility and prestige that accompany these awards help cities gain global recognition and access the largest European network of sport-centric cities

Awarded cities also benefit from opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration, enhancing their sports policies and increasing their eligibility for grants from the European Union and other international organisations. Beyond these tangible benefits, ACES awards have become a symbol of positive change, inspiring local leaders to use sport as a tool to transform their communities.

PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

ACES’ influence extends beyond the awards. The organisation has developed prestigious international projects, such as the policy paper created for UNESCO, which helps cities become more inclusive through sports policies based on examples and best practices from ACES-awarded cities. Thanks to ACES’ work, the new network of D+D Cities for UNESCO in Latin America is a reality, and the recent decalogue presented by the OAS, another ACES document, will mark a new milestone in the policies of American cities.

These projects demonstrate ACES’ commitment to developing healthier, more sustainable, closer, and more active cities with better economic development. As the organisation continues to grow, its influence extends to new regions, with a focus on Oceania and the development of new quality policies in Africa, where the goal is to improve people’s quality of life with a benchmark and sustainable strategy.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

In 2025, ACES plans to surpass 6,000 cities in its network, expanding its reach and impact worldwide. Gian Francesco Lupattelli’s vision, conceived in the quiet of an early morning in Madrid, has given rise to a global movement that continues to transform cities and improve the lives of millions.

The story of ACES is one of inspiration, perseverance, and commitment to making the world a better place through sport. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world; it has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that few things can.” And ACES has undoubtedly embodied this spirit throughout its 25-year history.

HUGO ALONSO IS GENERAL SECRETARY OF ACES EUROPE

JOSE MARÍA ÁVAREZ DEL MANZANO INTERVIEW

“In all the cities that have been designated as the Capital of Sport, grassroots sports activities have increased”

Jose Maria Álvarez del Manzano, former Mayor of Madrid:

The idea of the European Capital of Sport award began with Madrid, the city of which you were mayor. What were the main goals you hoped to achieve?

“Lupattelli, who proposed the idea in my office as Mayor to designate a city as a promoter of grassroots sport. It had already been successful in Italy, and I thought it was very suitable for our city because, as IOC-president Juan Antonio Samaranch told me, Madrid was the city with the most sports facilities for grassroots sport in Europe. I accepted the idea of further promoting grassroots sport.”

What were the most significant changes you observed in Madrid during and after the year the city was the European Capital of Sport?

“The impact of being the European Capital of Sport was very important for the city council and several private entities, as many sports venues were built, which led to an increasing number of citizens participating in sports activities.”

What role did local institutions and the community play in supporting the initiative? Were there any major challenges to overcome?

“The idea of designating Madrid as the European Capital of Sport was the starting point for me, as Mayor, to take the necessary step of presenting the city as a candidate to host the Olympic Games. The idea was very well received by the institutions. I was accompanied by the president of the Community of Madrid at that time, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, to present the idea to Mr Samaranch, who welcomed the proposal very favourably. Furthermore, I approached the president of the Spanish National Olympic Committee, Alfredo Goyeneche, who also received it positively. Both advised us on what we needed to do to achieve our goal. They especially emphasised stimulating grassroots sport, organising top-level sports events in Madrid, and strengthening our sports and hotel infrastructures. The truth is, there were no difficult moments because all the public institutions and private entities worked together in agreement.”

Since then, the award has evolved from being European to a global level, recognising numerous cities and communities worldwide. In 2025, ACES will celebrate its 25th anniversary. How do you see its evolution over the past 25 years and its impact on the global sports
landscape?

“I have closely followed the evolution of the European Capital of Sport designation and I have seen with satisfaction that what started in Madrid has been strengthened over time with the ongoing work of ACES over these 25 years. The result could not be better: in all the cities that have been designated as the Capital of Sport, grassroots sports activities have increased.”

What advice would you give to cities that are now applying to become the World Capital of Sport? What elements do you consider essential to ensure a lasting impact?

“Not only did the initiative of being the first European Capital of Sport serve to further develop grassroots sport, but it was an essential argument appreciated by the National Olympic Committee in admitting our candidacy to host the Olympic Games. We surpassed the competition with the city of Seville and in the final vote we competed with Paris and New York. Only due to a decision, in my opinion not well explained, we did not advance against London. Without a doubt, both now and in the future, physical exercise contributes to the overall wellbeing of society, both in physical and mental aspects. Sport is a great way to learn social coexistence and can be practised at all ages. I would like to add that the designation of Madrid as the European Capital of Sport was a powerful stimulus for improving our facilities and promoting grassroots sport.”