Loulé has been voted ‘European City of Sport 2015’, and it is hoping the distinction means it will stay on as host of Rally Portugal.
But while that decision has yet to be made, the new award will see the town receiving a welcome €150,000 boost to its coffers.
This is the third time a Portuguese town has won the award – and a first for the Algarve.
The decision was announced last weekend by the president of the association of European Capitals of Sport, Gian Francesco Lupatelli, when he visited Loulé for a special ceremony at the Parque Municipal.
Speaking after the event, an elated mayor Vítor Aleixo said the title was “an acknowledgement” of all the work developed by the municipality over the years.
The borough is now equipped with 241 sports establishments, 137 of which are open to the public. On average, they are used by 50,000 people per month, says the council, revealing plans are afoot for yet more football fields.
As Aleixo pointed out, the municipality is home to 55 clubs of 40 different sports, and boasts a total of 8,000 athletes.
He is hoping the new award attracts more foreigners to the borough.
“European Cities of Sport” awards are given out to a total of 20 towns every year, which stand out for their “commitment” to developing sports and promoting healthy sporting habits all across Europe.
A special ‘European City of Sport’ flag will be awarded to Loulé at a ceremony to take place on November 5 in Brussels.
