The 38th European City of Sport Gala will take place on 26 October 2026 at the prestigious Hall of Honour of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) in Rome. Organised by ACES Italia in cooperation with MSP Italia, the event will celebrate municipalities, regions and communities that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to sport, health, social inclusion and active lifestyles through the ACES Europe programme.

The Gala will bring together leading representatives from the European and Italian sporting and institutional communities for one of the most important annual celebrations of local sport governance. During the ceremony, the European Sport and Health Honours 2026/2028 will be presented to mayors, councillors, sports leaders, SANE Erasmus+ Project European Sport Ambassadors, and athletes who have made an exceptional contribution to promoting sport as a driver of healthier and more inclusive communities.

The official programme will begin with participant registration at 10:30, followed by the awards ceremony from 11:00 to 13:00. The afternoon will feature institutional meetings and B2B sessions organised in partnership with the Italian Institute for Sports and Cultural Credit.

Among the distinguished guests expected to attend are Luciano Buonfiglio, President of CONI; Marco Giunio De Sanctis, President of the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP); Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and IOC Member; Ozan Çakır, President of the Turkish Olympic Committee; Carlo Mornati, Secretary General of the European Olympic Committees; Senator Ilaria Cavo, Honorary President of MSP Italia; and Members of the European Parliament Giusi Princi and Andrey Kovatchev, Honorary Presidents of ACES Europe. The ceremony will be hosted by Marco Lollobrigida, Director of Rai Sport.

The Gala will honour the administrations awarded ACES Europe titles for 2026, including Naples – European Capital of Sport and Puglia – European Region of Sport, together with the Italian European Communities of Sport. Awards will also be presented to cities and administrations recognised for 2027 and 2028, highlighting the growing commitment of Italian local authorities to promoting sport, health, inclusion and volunteering.

More than an awards ceremony, the European City of Sport Gala serves as a platform for dialogue between institutions, local authorities, sports federations and partners, reinforcing the international ACES Europe network and sharing best practices in sustainable sports governance.

Speaking ahead of the event, Vincenzo Lupattelli, President of ACES Italia, said:

“The 38th European City of Sport Gala confirms the central role of local administrations in building healthier, more active and inclusive communities. ACES recognitions represent a shared journey of growth, highlighting sport policies as a key driver of social cohesion and territorial development.”

The event is supported by the European Olympic Committees, CONI, CIP, ANCI, the Italian Institute for Sports and Cultural Credit, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, with media partners Corriere dello Sport, Tuttosport and Primapress.