Top officials from the European Capitals of Sport Association (ACES) visited the Isle of Man today (Friday 15 June 2011) to announce that the Island is to receive the 2012 European Community Sports Award. ACES is the body that awards the title of European Capital of Sport, held by Dublin in 2010 and Valencia in 2011, and is recognised and funded from the European Parliament in Brussels. For 2012, ACES has introduced a new Community Sports Award to enable small communities like the Isle of Man to be recognised alongside the big cities of Europe. The ACES party comprised of ACES European President Gian Francesco Lupattelli from Italy, John Swanson, Deputy European President from Scotland, Jim Logue, Honorary UK President from Scotland and Steve Morris, UK Vice President from Wales. They attended the National Sports Centre in Douglas for a presentation explaining the Island’s philosophy in respect of sports management and development over the past 15 years, formerly under the Department of Tourism and Leisure and currently under the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure. Mike Ball, DCCL Director of Leisure, explained: ‘The day started by giving them an overview of how sport and its development in the Island has a bearing on the community’s fitness and general quality of life. However, we were very keen that they experience more than the theory and have ensured the ACES delegates participated in a Walk and Talk session taking place at the NSC this morning and witnessed firsthand other sport in action.’ At the NSC the officials also saw a regular PE lesson by a Douglas primary school, which has limited sports facilities, and a disability sports session. The afternoon saw them witnessing the final of the Primary Schools Cricket Festival at Cronkbourne Cricket Club. Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, met the ACES party at Cronkbourne Cricket Club. Minister Cretney commented: ‘I am immensely proud to learn the Isle of Man is receiving this award. It represents professional recognition of the outstanding work of the Sports Development Team and the NSC staff over the last decade and the major investment by Government in our sporting infrastructure and services. As Minister I understand the contribution that sport makes and it is so pleasing when experts from across Europe recognise our excellence with this award.’ Confirming the award in a letter to the Minister, Mr Lupattelli said: ‘It is with great satisfaction that I am able to inform you that the Isle of Man has been awarded the first ever European Community Sports Award for 2012. The award is in recognition of the way that sport is promoted, supported and resourced in your beautiful island. ‘It was evident to the awarding committee that sport plays an enormous part in the everyday life of your citizens whether it’s taking part for health and fitness, training to be an elite athlete through your Institute of Sport or competing in a huge range of sports as an individual or team.’ The letter concludes: ‘The Isle of Man provides pathways and the opportunities for people to do this and these opportunities are for people of all ages, for all levels including people with a disability.’ The European Community Sports Award for 2012 will be formally presented this November. However, Mr Lupattelli made a presentation confirming the Island’s 2012 award to Mr Cretney today. - Ends -