The city of Novalja won the title of European City of Sports for 2025!

City of Novalja won the prestigious title European city of sports for 2025 in the category of cities with less than 25.000 inhabitants.

This significant recognition is awarded by a European non-profit organization ACES Europe (European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation) based in Brussels, which recognizes cities that invest exceptionally in sports infrastructure and the promotion of sports among all generations, but also among vulnerable groups.

Three-member commission ACES Europe from October 1 to 3, 2024, she visited the City of Novalja, viewed the sports infrastructure, learned about the work of sports associations and clubs in the City of Novalja, and attended a presentation prepared by the City of Novalja for candidacy.

"It is a great honor and pleasure that our efforts and all the investments we make related to sports life and the development of sports infrastructure in Novalja have been recognized and rewarded with this prestigious recognition. We see this title as recognition for our achievements so far, but also as additional motivation for improvement existing sports infrastructure to a higher level and the establishment of new sports clubs. We also hope that this recognition will be an inspiration for our young fellow citizens and a kind of invitation to engage in sports and practice a healthy lifestyle.", he said Ivan Dabo, mayor of Novalja.

The criteria for obtaining the title encompassed a wide range of aspects, including the quality of sports infrastructure, the availability of recreational and sports programs for all age groups, especially people with disabilities and difficulties, encouraging sportsmanship among citizens and guests, as well as the successful development of sports clubs and organizations.

The city of Novalja has already proven itself in these areas, which is additionally highlighted by their success in organizing sports events and manifestations and popularizing sports and recreation. Among them stand out the international cycling race CRO Race, the famous Life on Mars trail, the Pag Outdoor project, the Granfondo Pag cycling marathon, the International Dance Open dance competition and the Olea Cup football tournament, along with many other sports events.

These sports events take place from March to November, which expands sports programs and activities beyond the framework of seasonal tourism in the area of ​​the City of Novalja.

"The candidacy of the City of Novalja for the title of European City of Sports 2025 is a continuation of the new sports era that we have been building for several years, including the island project Pag Outdoor. We are aware that for Novalja as the European City of Sports 2025, it would be an additional step forward for even more active involvement of our population of all generations in sports and recreation. It would be an important recognition that would further strengthen our offer of active tourism and outdoor activities, which take place throughout the year and which have already gained recognition among guests and the local population in what way contributed to winning this title, especially to the Sports Association of the city of Novalja, all its clubs and members", she said Marina Šćiran, director of the Tourist Board of the City of Novalja.

The award ceremony will be held in Brussels, in December of this year, and the award will be received by Mayor Ivan Dabo on behalf of the City. The title of European City of Sports 2025 is not only a recognition of the achievements of the City of Novalja in sports, but also an opportunity for further development and promotion of sports among citizens of all ages in the area.