ACES Europe

Evaluation visit in Bellaria Igea Marina.

Sport does not stop at the city gates, and it does not stop at the office door either.

The ACES European Sport and Healthy Company Award recognises companies that have made employee wellbeing a genuine organisational commitment. Not a benefit package. Not a marketing claim. A policy built into how they work.

Organisations awarded this recognition demonstrate active investment in:
– Structured physical activity programmes for employees
– A healthy, inclusive work environment and culture
– Sport as a contributor to productivity, mental health, and team cohesion

This recognition is part of ACES Europe's broader vision: that sport belongs in every aspect of public and professional life. Companies, like cities, can be leaders in building healthier communities, starting from within.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more about the criteria and values behind the European Sport and Healthy Company Award.

In 2026, five cities across three continents carry a shared message: sport is more than competition. It is a force for inclusion, public health, and community development.

ACES Europe is proud to recognise:
🏛️ Naples (Italy) - European Capital of Sport
🌎 Guayaquil (Ecuador) - American Capital of Sport
☀️ Elche (Spain) - Mediterranean Capital of Sport
🚴 Konya (Turkey) - European Capital of Cycling
🌍 Baku (Azerbaijan) - World Capital of Sport

Each of these cities has demonstrated that sport can function as a genuine policy instrument, embedded in urban planning, education, health systems, and social cohesion strategies. Their stories are a source of inspiration for communities everywhere.

Behind every title is a commitment. Behind every commitment is a community.

Swipe through to explore each of the five Capitals of Sport 2026. Which city's story resonates with you most? Share it in the comments.

🌃🏃‍♂️ ALBUFEIRA NIGHT RUN 2026 🏃‍♀️🌃

On May 29th at 20:00, the streets of Albufeira will once again come alive with energy, sport and community spirit during the exciting Night Run 26! ✨

As the proud 🇪🇺 European City of Sport 2026, Albufeira continues to promote sport for all, healthy lifestyles and unforgettable sporting experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Join this special night where sport, fun and togetherness meet under the lights of one of Europe’s most active sporting cities! 💙

Evaluation Commission in Zagreb County

April is over, but the energy lives on.

This April, cities and communities across Europe joined the ACES Month of Physical Activity, a continent-wide initiative that places sport at the heart of public life. From morning runs to community sport days, thousands of citizens chose to move, connect, and invest in their health together.

Sport is not simply a leisure activity. It is a pillar of social well-being, urban development, and community cohesion. When institutions and citizens work together, the impact is real and lasting.

The final results of this edition will be shared soon. In the meantime, our gratitude goes to every city, every organisation, and every citizen who participated and made this month what it was.

Follow our page to be the first to receive the full results of the April Month of Physical Activity 2026.

Mountains without barriers 🌍🏔️

Folgaria hosted the 2nd ACES “Mountain Destination” meeting, bringing together international destinations from Italy, Spain, Albania, Croatia, and Turkey.

The focus? Making mountains more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone.

🌟 Alpe Cimbra stood out as a global best practice after winning at the ACES World Congress in Ascoli Piceno.

Sport, inclusion, and community are shaping the future of mountain destinations.

This will be one of the most energetic and international sports weekends of the year in Rzeszów, European City of Sport 2026 (Poland)

From May 22nd to 24th, young athletes from various European countries will arrive in Rzeszów to take part in the 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘇𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝘁 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗳𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗷𝗶 𝗜𝗕𝗙𝗙.

This morning, ACES President and Founder Gian Francesco Lupattelli and Vice President Vincenzo Lupattelli held an important working meeting at CONI in Rome with Carlo Mornati, Secretary General of the Italian National Olympic Committee and the European Olympic Committee.

A valuable moment of dialogue, cooperation and shared vision for the future of sport in Europe, strengthening the commitment to promote sport as a tool for education, health, inclusion and international unity.

ACES continues building bridges with the highest sporting institutions to support cities, communities and future generations through the power of sport. 🇪🇺🏛️⚽