Glasgow to use European Capital of Sport 2023 status to increase sporting opportunities and improve lives

Glasgow is taking on the mantle of European Capital of Sport (ECOS) 2023 – and becomes the first city to hold the title twice, 20 years after first achieving the accolade.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 3 January 2023 11:01

Glasgow is a global sporting city and world leader in using sport to change lives, and the first phase of an ECOS Fund has awarded more than £50,000 to communities across the city to increase opportunities for people to take part in sport and get active.

Glasgow Life, the charity that delivers culture and sport in Glasgow, is providing funding to 70 sporting organisations throughout the city that applied for £750 grants to support people to get active, regardless of background or ability.

The ECOS Fund prioritises projects which support underrepresented groups, such as women and girls, ethnic minorities, those with disabilities and low-income families.

The first round of grants is aimed at activities between January and June 2023, ranging from grassroots sporting events and open days to new club sessions and community-based programmes. The second phase of the ECOS Fund, for projects taking place from July until December, will open on 1 April and close on 8 May.

Glasgow’s successful bid to be named ECOS 2023 was confirmed in 2019 by ACES Europe, a non-profit association based in Brussels, Belgium.

Receiving the baton from The Hague in the Netherlands, Glasgow’s ECOS 2023 status officially kicked off as Rangers faced Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on 2nd January, with both clubs joining forces with fellow ECOS partners Glasgow Warriors and Drumchapel Community Sport Hub to help promote sport in the city throughout 2023.

The city’s second stint as ECOS celebrates two decades of success, development and investment, including the contribution made by coaches and volunteers during a time when Glasgow established its place among the world’s top sporting cities. Over the last 20 years, Glasgow has invested more than £200 million in its world-class sporting venues, including the Emirates Arena, Glasgow BMX Centre and the refurbished Kelvin Hall.

Glasgow has hosted a series of world-class events at outstanding venues during this period, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships at the Hydro, the first-ever European Championships in 2018 at the Emirates Arena and UEFA EURO 2020 fixtures at Hampden Park, attracting thousands of top-level athletes and spectators from around the world in the process.

Monthly ECOS 2023 themes like ‘Health and wellbeing’ in March and ‘Sport for communities’ in May will tie in with regular challenges and social media initiatives to encourage Glasgow’s residents and visitors to get out and get active.

Glasgow will also welcome the globe’s greatest riders for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships when the inaugural contest hits roads and tracks across Scotland in August. Two-hundred rainbow jerseys will be up for grabs over 13 UCI Cycling World Championships, including BMX Racing, Indoor Cycling, Mountain Bike Downhill and Road events.

As 2023 progresses, September’s ‘Sport and physical activity for all ages’ theme will see initiatives and challenges devised to help deliver another of Glasgow’s ECOS goals: supporting positive ageing, building wellbeing, and promoting connections within and between diverse communities. The year will culminate in a celebration of sport and activity in December, coinciding with Glasgow’s Sport Awards.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations for Glasgow City Council, said: “Becoming the first city to be named European Capital of Sport for a second time is a historic achievement for Glasgow. The ECOS status reaffirms Glasgow’s credentials as a world-class sporting city, and presents a great opportunity to change more lives for the better through sport – at grassroots level in our communities and schools, and professionally through our elite level clubs and top-class facilities.

“Earning the title of European Capital of Sport for the second time in two decades demonstrates the part sport has played – and will continue to play – in the city’s progress, which has seen Glasgow become a world leader when it comes to harnessing the power of sport and physical activity to improve lives.”

Laura Muir, Commonwealth Games 1500m gold medallist and Sportsperson of the Year Award winner at Glasgow’s Sport Awards 2022, said: “It’s fantastic Glasgow has been named the European Capital of Sport because it just shows how the city is so proactive in so many different areas of sport, not just at the elite level but with youngsters as well. It’s a fantastic place to be, both competing as an elite athlete and also for those grassroots athletes coming up.”

For more information, and to download a Glasgow ECOS 2023 digital toolkit to get involved, visit the dedicated Glasgow Life webpage.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.

Scotland vs Greece: First Bus Hampden Express to run for huge second leg tie

First Bus is making it as easy as possible for Scotland fans to get to Hampden and back this Sunday thanks to its dedicated X31 express service!

Five star Crossbasket Castle unveils first look images of new hotel & restaurant

The venue has been designed to transport guests back to a magical bygone era, offering an escape from everyday life into a world of indulgence and excitement.

New fried chicken spot lands in Shawlands

The wait is over! Birds, the latest venture from the award-winning team behind El Perro Negro, is officially open and serving up some of the best fried chicken Glasgow has to offer!

Brand new Zara now open at Silverburn Glasgow

Global fashion brand Zara has officially opened at Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, with eager shoppers queuing to be the first through the doors.

Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.

Shawlands Academy announced winners of Buchanan Galleries and Ahead Partnership Made in Glasgow 2025 Challenge

Team 'BamBrew' from Shawlands Academy have been announced as the winners of the 2025 'Made in Glasgow' enterprise challenge.

20 Glasgow businesses shortlisted in the British Business Awards

20 Glasgow based companies are among the 143 from across the UK now vying for the top spot at the British Business Awards!

Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up

With three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!

Fever presents The First Round: A one of a kind experience to meet new people

An exclusive dining experience comes to Glasgow, where great food and meaningful connections come together through a unique pairing algorithm to expand social circles.

Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break

From Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.

Glasgow Fort to host fundraiser for local charity

Glasgow Fort has teamed up with its charity partner, Simba, to launch a fundraiser to support families ahead of Mother's Day.

People might make Glasgow but can they beat a top stand up comic at his own game

Partnering with Glasgow International Comedy Festival, First Bus is offering free bus travel to ticketholders!

Buchanan Galleries announces pioneering new SignLive service ahead of Sign Language Week

Buchanan Galleries is the first shopping centre in Scotland to team up with a pioneering new service, SignLive, to help support the deaf community and improve their experience.

Do you have memories from the old YWCA centres in Glasgow

The Young Women's Movement, formerly known as YWCA Scotland, is seeking stories from its 100-year history in Scotland, as part of an oral history project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Foodies alert! Loch Lomond Springfest is back

Loch Lomond Springfest, one of Scotland's biggest FREE food festivals, is back on the 5th and 6th April at Loch Lomond Shores!

March Events at LUSH Glasgow City

LUSH Glasgow City has a packed events calendar for March!

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind

To mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.

Pavilion Festival celebrates 50 day countdown with exclusive Secret Party Tour

Pavilion Festival is kicking off early with Pavilion on Tour – a two-part, secret pre-festival experience designed to set the stage for Scotland’s ultimate seaside music festival.

Sir Billy Connolly Award Shortlist revealed as GICF kicks off across city

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the Shortlist for 2025's Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award as the festival kicks off!

Paisley Food and Drink Festival has all the ingredients for the perfect foodie day out!

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.

Civerinos earns a place on the Time Out list of best pizzas in the world

Fighting off stiff competition from around the globe and coming in at a lucky number 13 on the list, Civerinos’ New Haven-style pizza grabbed the food critics’ attention for all the right reasons.

Visitors to celebrate 2,000 years of history at summer events

Over 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!

Valaria Glasgow unveils new evening menu

Valaria, one of Glasgow's most beloved Patisserie destinations, has launched a brand-new evening menu.

Celebrating British Science Week in Glasgow

To celebrate British Science Week, Glasgow Science Centre will deliver a jam-packed programme of activities, experiments and events for public visitors and school children this week.

Flight Club is the ideal alternative place to take your mum for brunch

If you're looking for something a bit different for Mother's Day that is also loads of fun, an activity bar like Flight Club is a great option!

Derby Lane evolves and new hit spot opens in Finnieston

A bold new look, elevated dining and a hidden speakeasy... once hailed as Glasgow's most Instagrammable bar, Derby Lane has grown up!

Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring!

Get ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!