European City Of Sport
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Sporty Seaside Resort
Noordwijk prides itself on having been given the title of European City of Sport in 2017. This is a prestigious certificate that is issued by Aces Europe in cooperation with the European Commission. So, the European sports flag will be proudly displayed the whole year round. And rightly so! The seaside resort has been conducting an active sports policy for many years. Visitors to Noordwijk will be able to enjoy much space and facilities where they can do all sorts of sport: hiking and cycling routes, mountain bike trails, jogging trails, boot camps, gymnasiums, safe bathing water, surfi ng hotspots and much, much more. Besides, for many years Noordwijk has been a great place for sports events. Bicycle Beach races, running competitions, the Kiteboard Open and many other top annual events. It goes without saying that many of these events take place on the beach and at sea. We even had a World Championship in Noordwijk last year: the Lifesaving World Championship. And there will be yet another World Championship in 2017: Hobie Cat World Sailing Championships. Discover sport-loving Noordwijk!
Noordwijk, City of Sport
Since its creation in 1999, ACES Europe, the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation, has been promoting active sports participation by all citizens of the European Union, with special attention to target groups who find it more difficult to participate in sports (e.g. the underprivileged, children, seniors and people with a disability). Every year, ACES Europe awards the title of European City of Sport to a number of cities (population of 25,000 to 500,000) who outshine other cities in this area.
Sport has many benefits
Noordwijk has the highest level of sports participation (88%) of the Province of South Holland. Sport is, as it were, in the DNA of the people of Noordwijk. The municipality offers everyone who wants to practise sports excellent sports facilities. Over the last few years, many of these have been renovated, modernised and equipped for both recreational and professional sports. In Noordwijk, sport contributes fundamentally to the Social Support Act, Public Health, Youth Policy and Education. Sport is interwoven with these policy areas.
Great benefits to Noordwijk
And, of course, thanks to the many (inter)national events, sport makes an important contribution to the economic development of Noordwijk. More and more, Noordwijk is the place where national and international sports events are organised, such as the Lifesaving World Championships, the Kiteboard Open European Championships and international hockey matches.
The place to be for sport
All this has resulted in the Evaluation Committee of ACES Europe to award the title of European City of Sport to Noordwijk with great pleasure and pride. A huge recognition for all the hard work done by the inhabitants and volunteers on a daily basis. Therefore, throughout 2017, even more attention will be paid to sports events and initiatives. The wide range of sports events on offer can be found below.
