Programme of events planned as Belfast named among of Europe's 'Cities of Sport' for 2026
Belfast City Council is planning a suite of events to mark the fact that the city has been named among Europe’s “Cities of Sport” for 2026.
The news of the accolade was announced today, following a two-day visit by a judging panel earlier in November.
The title is awarded annually by the Belgian-based non-profit organisation ACES.
The only other Northern Irish city to have been so named is Lisburn, which was given the title in 2013.
Belfast City Council said in a statement: “Belfast’s bid outlined how new programmes, upgraded facilities, collaborations with sport governing bodies and the free 12-week Healthwise scheme for those recovering from ill health have all contributed to a significant increase in sports participation in the city – in the 2023/24 Continuous Household Survey, 50% of adults reported taking part in sport in the last week, up from 43% in 2022/23.”
It added: “Residents will be able to get involved in Belfast’s European City of Sport 2026 celebrations through try-it activities in leisure and community venues, coach and volunteer development opportunities and a range of special events, with full programme details to be announced in January 2026.”
The other European Cities of Sport for 2026 are: Albi, Albufeira, Carceres, Cheb, Dobrich, El Vendrell, Korce, Mostoles, Novi Sad, Olot, Oviedo, Prizren, Palencia, Rzeszow, Sibenik, Sant Dennis, Torrejon de Ardoz, Sultangazi and Valladolid.
The overall European Capital of Sport for 2026 had already been named as Napoli, while the World Capital of Sport for 2026 is Baku in Azerbaijan.
The award does not confer funding on Belfast City Council; rather it is more about the prestige of holding the title.
According to ACES, it means “your city will be acknowledged as ‘Master of Sports’ at European level,” adding: “Cities that have been awarded [are] bequeathed a better future in sports to their citizens.
"For example, in Antwerp, Capital of Sport in 2013, active people increased by 10%…
"During the year, numerous events bring life to your city.
"For example, in Torino, European Capital of Sport 2015, more than 1,000 events took place.”
The cities will be officially awarded with their designation via an official flag presentation at the ACES Annual Gala at the European Parliament in Brussels on December 11.
Announcing the news at Olympia Leisure Centre in south Belfast today, Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly said in a statement: “This is a great achievement for Belfast and an endorsement of all the work that goes into supporting sport here – from the players, volunteers and coaches to the event organisers, fans and funders.
“Sport is a thread that runs through all communities and becoming a European City of Sport provides a unique opportunity to showcase the breadth of physical activity opportunities we have, from traditional sports like football, rugby and Gaelic games, to emerging sports like parkour and basketball, and into the gym, pool and exercise studio too.
“Activity levels in Belfast are good – but they could be better. We still have some of the highest levels of health inequalities and deprivation in the UK and reducing these is a key goal for the Belfast Agenda – our city’s community plan.
"Our council is leading the way in changing this, through investment in our leisure estate, funding projects which use sport to bring people together and removing the barriers to participation, together with GLL [the charitable social enterprise that runs leisure centres in the city].
“In 2026, we’ll do this even more – with more ways to get involved in physical activity and help everyone enjoy the benefits that come from playing sport.”