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Bizkaia has been officially named a European Region of Sport for 2026, a prestigious recognition awarded by ACES Europe, the entity responsible for this distinction in collaboration with the European Commission.

This week, the Bizkaia Provincial Council received official notification from ACES Europe confirming the selection of the region of Bizkaia. The official announcement ceremony will take place in December at the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels. This designation is the result of a rigorous evaluation process that included a visit by an ACES Europe delegation to Bizkaia in May. During their stay, the representatives were able to learn first-hand about the region’s sports infrastructure, meet with those responsible for projects supported by the Provincial Council related to promoting physical activity in natural and urban environments and assess their alignment with the demanding criteria established by the organisation.

The bid was presented in March by the General Deputy, coinciding with the presentation of the Bizkaia Kirolak Sariak. Under the slogan Kirolur, a fusion of the words “kirol” (sport) and “lur” (land), which symbolises Bizkaia as a land of sport both at sea and inland, the proposal reflects a firm institutional commitment to sport as a driver of social cohesion, public health and sustainable development.

ACES Europe has recognised Bizkaia’s commitment to the values of sport, highlighting its role as a tool for inclusion and for improving the well-being and quality of life of its citizens. Being named a European Region of Sport will provide a decisive boost for strengthening sporting practice in the region and for raising international awareness of the Bizkaia sports and well-being model.

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