Naples Officially Launches European Capital of Sport 2026 Bid
Naples, Campania, Italy – March 4, 2026 – Naples has officially commenced its journey as the European Capital of Sport 2026. Yesterday morning, March 3rd, at the historic Real Albergo dei Poveri, Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and Councillor for Sport and Equal Opportunities, Emanuela Ferrante, inaugurated the institutional path that will see Naples take centre stage in the international sporting arena throughout the year.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone, underscoring Naples’ commitment to promoting the values of sport, inclusion, and social well-being. The event featured two pivotal moments: the signing of the Silver Plaque, a formal act solidifying the administration’s dedication, and the presentation of the flags, which officially cemented Naples’ role as a sporting reference point for the entire continent.
Ambitious Vision for a Sporting Showcase
Mayor Gaetano Manfredi expressed his enthusiasm, declaring, “It will be an extraordinary year for Naples.” He outlined an ambitious framework for 2026, envisioning the city as a protagonist in major national and international sporting events, thereby confirming its status as one of Europe’s most significant sporting destinations.
Among the high-profile events already scheduled, Mayor Manfredi highlighted the return of the Giro d’Italia to Neapolitan territory and, most notably, the opening match of the European Volleyball Championships. This highly anticipated event will take place in the evocative setting of Piazza del Plebiscito, transforming one of the city’s iconic landmarks into a grand open-air stadium.
Sport for All: Reaching Local Communities
However, the administration’s vision extends beyond large-scale international spectacles. The Mayor strongly emphasised the importance of “widespread sport, capable of reaching neighbourhoods and local communities.” This initiative aims to bring the invaluable lessons of sport – education, discipline, teamwork, and development for new generations – into the streets and gathering places of the city. This collective effort involves institutions, sports clubs, and citizens, with the ultimate goal of making Naples not just an international showcase, but a city where sport becomes an integral part of daily life.
“We are very happy,” concluded Manfredi, “that 2026 will be the year in which Naples will truly be the European capital of sport.”
Over 150 Initiatives Planned
Councillor Emanuela Ferrante echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, stating, “We officially started in January, but it was wonderful to share with the young people, with the whole city, and with all the sports organisations the presentation of the plaque we obtained in Brussels in December. It is important, symbolically, to sign it in front of them and to hand over the flags, also because if Naples is the European Capital of Sport, we owe it to all the sports organisations that helped us win this title and with which we are already implementing, and will continue to implement until the end of the year, a whole series of initiatives.”
Councillor Ferrante revealed that over 150 initiatives are planned, involving schools, sports associations, and federations across Naples. While acknowledging the prominence of events like the men’s European Volleyball Championships in Piazza Plebiscito, she also stressed the importance of simpler initiatives closer to citizens’ hearts.
“I particularly like to highlight the simpler initiatives closer to the citizens: we are organising a Neapolitan Youth Games tournament dedicated to those who simply love to play sports, especially young people. I believe this will be the most beautiful thing for our city,” she added.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Municipality of Naples, ACES Europe, CONI (Campania Regional Committee), and USSI (Italian Sports Press Union).
Source: https://www.positanonotizie.it/it/sport-21/napoli-capitale-europea-dello-sport-2026-cerimoni-169370/article
