Bristol named as the UK's European City of Sport

Bristol has been crowned as the UK's European City of Sport, with a packed programme of events set to sweep the city.

Bristol has been named as the UK’s European City of Sport 2017.

Bristol has been named the UK’s European City of Sport for 2017, based on its sporting facilities, residents’ level of participation, the success of local teams and sporting events.

The prestigious award, which was awarded by ACES Europe, a not-for-profit group, was secured by the Bristol Partnership for Sport and Active Recreation on behalf of the city.

Hoping to raise sponsorship from local businesses to fund a programme of activities, Chairman of the Partnership, Colin Sexstone, said: ‘It’s a great honour to secure European City of Sport status. 2017 will be an exciting opportunity for Bristol to develop its growing reputation as a hub for sport and participation, both nationally and internationally.

‘We have got all of the main players together as a new Bristol Partnership for Sport and Active Recreation, so we have got a huge amount of support, and we are ready to make sport work harder and do more for everyone who lives and works and studies in our great city.’

The year will mark a celebration of the part sport plays in every aspect of life across Bristol’s many and diverse communities, with an important theme for the year set to be women and girls in sport.

While a full programme of events is currently being planned, confirmed events include the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at the Bristol County Ground, with funding also set to go toward St Judes Women’s Group, Docklands Youth Centre, Bristol West Indies Phoenix Cricket Club and the Bristol Brothers football team.