Novalja – European Town of Sport for 2025
The town of Novalja has won the prestigious title of European Town of Sport for 2025 in the category of towns with fewer than 25,000 inhabitants.
This significant recognition is awarded by the European non-profit organization ACES Europe (European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation), based in Brussels, which acknowledges cities that make outstanding investments in sports infrastructure and promote sports among all generations, including vulnerable groups.
A three-member ACES Europe commission visited Novalja from October 1 to 3, 2024, toured the sports infrastructure, familiarized themselves with the work of sports associations and clubs in the area, and attended the presentation prepared by the town of Novalja for its candidacy.
“It is a great honor and pleasure that our efforts and all the investments we make in sports life and the development of sports infrastructure in Novalja have been recognized and rewarded with this prestigious award. We see this title as recognition of our achievements so far, but also as additional motivation to improve existing sports infrastructure to a higher level and to establish new sports clubs. We also hope that this recognition will inspire our young citizens and serve as an encouragement to engage in sports and lead a healthy lifestyle,” said Ivan Dabo, Mayor of Novalja.
The criteria for receiving the title encompassed a wide range of aspects, including the quality of sports infrastructure, availability of recreational and sports programs for all age groups—especially people with disabilities or difficulties—the promotion of a sporting spirit among citizens and visitors, and the successful development of sports clubs and organizations.
Novalja has already proven itself in these areas, further highlighted by its success in organizing sporting events and promoting sports and recreation. Among these are the international cycling race CRO Race, the popular Life on Mars trail race, the Pag Outdoor project, the Granfondo Pag cycling marathon, the International Dance Open competition, and the Olea Cup football tournament, alongside many other sporting events.
These sports events take place from March to November, extending sports programs and activities beyond the seasonal tourism framework in Novalja.
“Novalja’s candidacy for the title of European Town of Sport 2025 continues the new sports era we have been building for many years, including the island project Pag Outdoor. We are aware that for Novalja as the European Town of Sport 2025, this would be an additional step towards even more active participation of our population of all generations in sport and recreation. It would also be an important recognition that would further strengthen our offer of active tourism and outdoor activities, which take place throughout the year and have already gained recognition among visitors and local residents. Special thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to winning this title, especially the Sports Association of Novalja, all its clubs and members,” said Marina Šćiran, Director of the Novalja Tourist Board.
The award ceremony will be held in Brussels in December this year, and the award will be accepted on behalf of the town by Mayor Ivan Dabo. The title of European Town of Sport 2025 not only represents recognition of Novalja’s achievements in sport but also an opportunity for further development and promotion of sports among citizens of all ages in the area.
