Whether it’s watching a genteel game of cricket at Trent Bridge, cheering on the legendary Nottingham Panthers at the Capital FM Arena, or listening to the thwack of tennis balls at the Nottingham Tennis Centre, there’s no doubt that when it comes to sports, Nottingham is the place to be. Even The Times' Simon Barnes was shouting about us earlier this year. So it seems rather fitting that we be declared England’s official Home of Sport…
The title follows a national campaign by tourism board VisitEngland. Nottingham won the People’s Choice in the public vote, with proud Notts folk using the hashtag #HomeofSport to tweet their votes, and then went on to be a clear winner with 38% of the overall vote. And we’re as chuffed about it as our beloved Brian Clough seems in that statue.
Simon Starr, Director of Sport Nottinghamshire, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Nottingham has been recognised as England’s Home of Sport. We are blessed with fantastic and iconic facilities, great teams, great coaches and some amazing athletes but more than that, Nottingham is a city that lives and breathes its sport. The title is well deserved and I hope it will help to inspire even more people in Nottingham to lead healthy and active lives.”
Nottingham is name to several high profile sports clubs, such as Nottingham Forest, and Notts County – the oldest professional football club in the world. Not to mention that we are home to both the National Ice Centre and the National Water Sports Centre. And we’ve never been more proud of our iconic sporting venues and local clubs.
Jennifer Spencer, Chief Executive of Experience Nottinghamshire, said: “We’re over the moon to have been named England’s official Home of Sport! This is a fantastic coup for Nottingham, and a wonderful reflection of the diverse sporting offer we have here – from legendary sporting heroes such as Torvil and Dean, to world class sporting facilities such as Trent Bridge and top spectator and participant events all year round.”
If this doesn't make you want to get involved with sports in Nottingham, we don't know what will. Go on duck, grab yer trainers.
England's Home of Sport website
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