Turkey's Istanbul designated as 2012 European Capital of Sport

Turkey's Istanbul designated as 2012 European Capital of Sport

President of the European Capitals of Sport Association, Gian Francesco Lupatelli, announced Sunday they chose Istanbul as the European Capital of Sport for 2012.

Istanbul was designated as the European Capital of Sport (ACES) for 2012.

President of the European Capitals of Sport Association, Gian Francesco Lupatelli, announced Sunday they chose Istanbul as the European Capital of Sport for 2012.

Lupatelli told a press conference at the International Ataturk Airpor in Istanbul that ACES Committee following examinations at various spots in Istanbul, decided to designate Istanbul as the European Capital of Sport for 2012.

Lupatelli said next year's European Capital of Sport, Valencia would be announced at the European Parliament's meeting on November 30. He said they would present Istanbul's certificate to Turkey's Chief Negotiator for accession talks with the EU, Egemen Bagis and Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas during the meeting.

Istanbul's Mayor Kadir Topbas, said the new infrastructure and sports facilities contributed to Istanbul's designation as the European Capital of Sport, adding that the city would now eye the Olympic games.

"We will continue our intense endeavours. I believe people of Istanbul will will join us in our efforts. We have a new target: 2012. We will make some serious preparations for 2012. We say this must be followed by the Olympic games. These steps will bring the Olympic Games to us," said Topbas.