Genoa Named European Capital of Sport 2024 with 100 Events and 9 Million Related Activities Planned

Genoa Named European Capital of Sport 2024 with 100 Events and 9 Million Related Activities Planned

The city of Genoa has been recognized as the European Capital of Sport for 2024 by Aces Europe, the Federation of European Capitals and Cities of Sport. This recognition will transform Genoa into a hub for national and international sporting events, and numerous projects that will engage people of all ages and abilities.

In a press conference held at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, Genoa’s status as the 2024 European Capital of Sport was officially announced. The program entails more than 100 events spanning 32 sports disciplines, all under the supervision of 28 sports federations. The economic impact on the region from these events is expected to exceed 9 million euros in direct revenue from estimated overnight stays alone. This figure doesn’t account for other expenditure items by athletes, tourists, and visitors, as well as indirect expenses.

In March, Genoa will host the start of the Giro Hand Bike stage, followed by the International Genoa Winter Sailing Contest. From the 23rd to the 29th, the focus will shift to the Regions Tournament, where over 2000 young footballers from the National Amateur League will compete.

April will see the Final Eight of the men’s Italian Water Polo Cup, the Genoa Half Marathon, and the first-ever Final Eight of the women’s Italian Futsal Cup for Liguria. May promises to be a busy month with numerous events, including the 39th Ravano Tournament-30 Mantovani Cup and the 20th Sports Festival at the Porto Antico, among others.

Andrea Abodi, the Minister of Sport and Youth, praised Genoa’s commitment to sports. He pointed out that Liguria has 60% of school gyms, significantly higher than the Italian average of 40%. However, he noted that all regions are striving for improvement as the importance of sports in schools is recognized beyond social conditions.

June will kick off with the Orienteering World Cup stage and continue with several other events. July will see the arrival of the Premier Padel P2 and the 85th Giro dell’Appennino.

September and October have a line-up of international events, including the 20th Aon Open Challenger-Memorial Giorgio Messina and the Coastal Rowing World Championship. Genoa will also host the final stage of the national circuit of Beach Bocce.

In November, the focus will shift to sport climbing with the Italian Bouldering Cup. The senior women’s national basketball team will also take to the field. The 50th Nico Sapio Trophy and the Lanterna Rally will be held in the heart of the city.

The city’s mayor, Marco Bucci, expressed his pride in presenting Genoa’s project as the European Capital of Sport 2024. He emphasized the city’s commitment to promoting the values of sports and its role in educating young people. He also highlighted the positive impact this event will have on the city’s sporting facilities and its potential for social and economic growth.