France: the city of Marseille designated the European Capital of Sport for 2017

The Marseille-Provence city and region has been designated the European Capital of Sport for 2017 by the jury of ACES (Association of the European Capitals of Sport), announced Jean-Claude Gaudin, mayor of the city, on 14/10/2014.

Marseille, which was in competition with the city of Sofia (Bulgaria), became the first French European capital city of sport since the creation of this title in 2001. The designation is a recognition for the cities where "sport is an integration vector of all social classes and respect the ethics and the role of sport in improving the quality of life, physical and psychological health of the inhabitants."

• Marseille-Provence was designated the European Capital of Culture for 2013.

"A Mediterranean metropolis and international leader" (Jean-Claude Gaudin, mayor of Marseille)

• "This new mark of confidence given to Marseille is a sure sign of its new attraction. A unique cultural melting pot, the second largest city in France is now expanding. This is a vibrant city, dynamic, which is a Mediterranean metropolis and international leader.
• After the…