Burgas has been elected European Capital of Sport 2015, according to a letter of the President of the European Capital of Sports Association (ACES) Gian Francesco Lupattelli.

Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, was elected European Capital of Sport in 2018, with the official award ceremony to be held on November 19 in Brussels, according to reports of dnevnik.bg.

Burgas emerged winner out of around 20 bids from all over the continent.

The jury was impressed by the efforts of the Burgas Municipality targeting the upgrade and expansion of sports infrastructure, including swimming pools, sports complexes, bike lanes, school playgrounds and sports halls, as well as its activities aimed at enhancing the social inclusion of people with disabilities through sport.

Lupattelli congratulated Burgas on winning the competition, adding that the city was a really good example of using grassroots sport as an instrument for achieving targets in the sphere of integration and education, as well as for gaining respect.

Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov commented that the campaign sought to get as many guests and residents of Burgas involved in sport.

Burgas is yet to compile the schedule of sports events for 2015.