Istanbul declared Europe sports capital

Ankara (UNN) This ancient city was declared the 2012 European Capital of Sports here on Sunday.

European Capitals of Sport Association (ACES) President Gian Francesco Lupatelli during a news conference at the city air facility, Ataturk Airport.

Lupatelli and an ACES committee surveyed various locations in the city, last week, before unanimously deciding on Istanbul as the 2012 capital.

For his part, State Minister and Chief EU accession negotiator Egemen Bagis said this decision showed Turkey became “a very important actor of Europe.” This is the first time a Turkish city has been declared a European sports capital./UNN

17th Nov 2010, 03:28 am.