Rome, 10 November 2025 – On Monday afternoon, the 37th edition of the Gala “European City of Sport”, organised by ACES in collaboration with MSP Italia, took place in the prestigious Hall of Honour (Salone d’Onore) of the CONI in Rome.

The fully-booked venue welcomed institutional representatives, sports leaders and members from the associative world. Attendees included the Presidents of CONI, of the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP), the Institute for Sports and Cultural Credit (Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale), the Secretary General of the European Olympic Committees, along with representatives of ANCI, Special Olympics, Members of the European Parliament, national parliamentarians and members of the IOC.

During the ceremony, the traditional “Ciotole di Benemerenza” awards were officially presented to mayors, local administrators, sports directors and athletes. These honours recognise the commitment of the local administrations awarded ACES titles for the years 2025 to 2027, in promoting sport as a tool of inclusion, education and social cohesion.

Among the forty administrations of the ACES network present were:

Naples, European Capital of Sport 2026;
Cernusco sul Naviglio, European Capital of Integration & Volunteering 2025;
Liguria Region (European Region of Sport 2025) and Puglia Region (European Region of Sport 2026);
guest of honour: San Marino, European Community of Sport 2026.

Statements
Gian Francesco Lupattelli, President of ACES Europe, said:

“I am proud that ACES has involved, to date, over 6,000 municipalities around the world: a 25-year journey, a great family that continues to grow. We continue to work with everyone and for everyone, united in highlighting our strengths and promoting the well-being and health of citizens.”

Luciano Buonfiglio, President of CONI, added:

“Sport represents universally recognised values, and thanks to municipalities these values are brought and reinforced on the ground.”

The event reaffirmed the value of sport in strengthening active, inclusive communities and emphasised how local public institutions and sports associations together can drive social and territorial development.