CANDIDACY WITH A WINNING SPIRIT: NOVI SAD ON THE PATH TO BECOMING A EUROPEAN CITY OF SPORT 2026

Press conference was held in the Ceremonial hall of the City Hall in Novi Sad regarding the City’s candidacy for the prestigious title of European City of Sport 2026, organized by the Federation of European Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES Europe).

Speakers included the Mayor of Novi Sad, Žarko Mićin, City Council member for Sports and Youth, Tatjana Medved, as well as members of the ACES Europe evaluation committee Isabelle Bonnal, Berislav Čižmek, and Fabrizio Santangelo.

Mayor Žarko Mićin emphasized that this candidacy is a natural step for a city like Novi Sad.

- Novi Sad’s candidacy for the title of European City of Sport 2026 is a great honor, but also a significant responsibility for our city. It is an opportunity for Novi Sad to further strengthen its position on the European map—not only as a cultural and tourist destination, but also as a city that lives and breathes sport, recognizing its role in improving quality of life. I believe that the committee members recognized how much our city invests in sports and how important it is to all citizens of Novi Sad. More than 130,000 people in our city are actively engaged in sports. We have built more than 240 sports and recreational facilities, while 150 kilometers of bike paths contribute to a healthier lifestyle. With a record investment of 980 million dinars, we are showing that sport is one of our top priorities. However, what truly sets us apart is our people. Kindness, hospitality, and a spirit of community make Novi Sad special. That is the spirit we want to present to Europe and the world. I am confident that as a European City of Sport, we will continue to promote healthy living, solidarity, inclusion, and a vibrant sports culture - said Mayor Mićin.

Tatjana Medved, City Council member for Sports and Youth, highlighted the positive atmosphere during the visit.

-We had the opportunity to present to our guests how the sports system in Novi Sad operates—from grassroots and school sports, to infrastructure and professional sports. The committee expressed great satisfaction with what they saw, which encourages us in our candidacy. Novi Sad already lives the sporting spirit, and we are confident that this title would help us take an even greater leap forward -Medved stated.

Berislav Čižmek, a member of the ACES Europe evaluation committee, praised the City’s efforts.

-Novi Sad pleasantly surprised us. There is a visible systematic approach to sports, access for all generations, and a strong connection between sports, culture, education, and urban development. This is exactly what we look for in a European City of Sport - he said.

ACES Europe will make its decision on the European City of Sport 2026 title within two weeks in Brussels, and Novi Sad is among the leading candidates in the race.

As part of the official visit, committee representatives had the opportunity to tour the city’s sports infrastructure. The visit began with a presentation at the "Svilara" Cultural Station and continued with a tour of various sports locations, including outdoor fitness areas along Bulevar Evrope, the Quay, Petrovaradin Fortress, Sokolski Dom, SPENS, and sports complexes in Futog and Sajmište.

Novi Sad, June 25, 2025