Glasgow has been named European Capital of Sport in 2003.

The award is given to the city which most involves citizens in sporting and fitness activities.

It was established by two sporting organisations, the Spanish Movimiento Deportivo Popular International and the Italian Movimento Sport Azzuro Italia.

Other main competitors for the award were Manchester, Berlin, Athens and Lisbon.

Jack McConnell: Glasgow can "compete"

First Minister Jack McConnell said the award proved Glasgow could compete on the international sporting stage.

The city's Lord Provost, Alex Mosson, said: "This is fantastic news for Glasgow.

"We are delighted to receive such an award for the many initiatives put forward by the city to promote sport, participation and fitness."

Sport Azzuro Italia president Gian Francesco Lupattelli said: "Glasgow has put great effort into developing a network of sports facilities which will raise the quality of life and improve the health of the city."

Spanish and Italian judges visited Glasgow last month after the city was nominated by Stockholm, a former European Capital of Sport.

'Excellent facilities'

The judges saw the city council's sports and leisure programme at centres including Kelvin Hall and Hampden Park.

The city council runs one of the UK's biggest sport and recreation services, with a budget of more than �33m.

Mr McConnell said: "Congratulations to Glasgow in becoming European Capital of Sport 2003.

"It is deserved recognition for Glasgow City Council's efforts to encourage a healthy lifestyle through the excellent facilities and services.

"It shows that we can compete and win on the international sporting stage and I wish them well."

Mike Watson, the sports minister, said the city took the sports and social inclusion agenda to heart and worked on a number of initiatives.

"The city has had the foresight to see how participation in sport at grass-roots and professional levels can boost individual self-confidence, improve health and provide more positive lifestyle choices to people of all ages."