Bandiera Azzurra 2026: Apulia leads nationally with six municipalities honored

Apulia (Puglia) stands out in promoting sport and urban wellbeing. In the assignment of the Bandiera Azzurra 2026 — an award promoted by ANCI and FIDAL and initiated by Olympic champion Maurizio Damilano — six of the thirteen municipalities recognized across Italy belong to the region.

The award rewards administrations that have invested in certified running and walking routes, active mobility and urban spaces designed for public health. According to the FIDAL Apulia Regional Committee, the result reflects a shared approach between the federation and local governments to make cities an "open-air gym" accessible to all.

• Apulian municipalities honored: Taranto
• Lecce
• Massafra
• Manduria
• Margherita di Savoia
• Andrano

The recognition received positive remarks from national leaders: the ANCI vice-president for Sport highlighted the importance of cooperation with the Federation, while Maurizio Damilano praised the administrations' commitment to promoting sport as a common good.

For Apulia, the outcome is an opportunity to strengthen projects on sustainable mobility, social inclusion and public health promotion through everyday sports practice.