Sport plays a prominent role inGibraltarian life. The range of sports practiced in theBritish overseas territory ofGibraltar is wide and varied in comparison to its size of less than 7 square kilometres (2.7 square miles). TheGovernment of Gibraltar promotes sport within Gibraltar and supports many localsports associations financially. Gibraltar also competes in international sporting events, having competed in theCommonwealth Games since 1958, and in the biennialIsland Games, which it hosted in 1995 and 2019.
TheMinistry for Sport, headed by the Minister for Sport & Leisure, is responsible for sports policy matters and the provision of support to educational establishments and the governing bodies of sport in Gibraltar.[1]
TheGibraltar Sports Advisory Council is set up to advise the Government of Gibraltar, through the Minister for Sport, on all matters relating to sport including:
The Government recognises the benefits derived from the Gibraltarians' participation in sports and other recreational activities. Therefore, particular importance is given to the availability of facilities for the practice of these sports as well as making these available to anyone for booking allocations free of charge.
There are a large number of sport facilities in Gibraltar, of varying standards. These provide opportunities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy sport recreationally as well as professionally for the serious sport enthusiasts, where they can improve standards and have the opportunity to participate in local and international events.
The main sport facilities in Gibraltar are themulti-purposeVictoria Stadium and theTercentenary Sports Centre. These include facilities such asartificial turffootball pitches, water-basedhockey fields,tennis andpadel tennis courts,athletics fields,archery practice range,cricket fields,squash courts,golf practice range,climbing wall and multi-purpose sports halls forbasketball,badminton,volleyball,netball,handball,five-a-side football, andmartial arts among many others.
In 2007, there were eighteen sports associations in Gibraltar officially recognised by their respective international governing bodies. Others, such as theGibraltar National Olympic Committee, have applied for international recognition which are currently being considered.[1]
TheGibraltar Football Association applied for full membership ofUEFA, but their bid was turned down in 2007 in a contentious decision in defiance of a previousCourt of Arbitration for Sport ruling that held that GFA should be granted membership. UEFA's rejection was due toSpain's intense lobbying and vow toboycott any event involving Gibraltar. They were eventually granted membership in 2013.[2]
Gibraltar's national cricket team has featured in the top flight of theEuropean Cricket Championship on four occasions, with its best finish, sixth place (out of eight teams), coming at the inaugural1996 European Cricket Championship in Denmark. Gibraltar won Division Two at the Championships in 2000 and 2002, at a time when there was nopromotion and relegation between divisions.
Rugby is played in Gibraltar under the auspices of the (English)Rugby Football Union, by both local teams such asGibraltar Barbarians Rugby Club, and armed forces.
Basketball in Gibraltar is managed by theGibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (GABBA). Sponsored by Grind House, Men and Ladies GABBA teams play the senior basketball league in the neighbour Spanishprovince of Cádiz. Grind House GABBA won the 2007/08 female championship[3] GABBA is a member ofFIBA since 1985,[4] and themen's team plays biennially theFIBA European Championship for Small Countries.
Darts enjoys widespread popularity in Gibraltar with regular participation in a league organised by theGibraltar Darts Association, which is a full member of theWorld Darts Federation and regularly participates inEuropean &World Championships. TheProfessional Darts Corporation is a regular visitor to Gibraltar, holding an annual tournament as one of thePlayers Championships.
In May 2010 Gibraltar was host nation for the Darts Mediterranean Cup. Six countries competed in the event; Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Italy, Malta and Turkey. Gibraltar won the tournament, taking its first ever gold medal.
Gibraltar has gained membership of the following federations:
| Entity | Notes | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) | Gibraltar has competed in theCommonwealth Games since 1958. | Member | 1958 |
| European Championships | Ateam representing Gibraltar competes at the European Championships. | Member | 2018 |
| International Association Football Federation (FIFA) | TheGibraltar Football Association is a full member of FIFA andUEFA. | Member | 2013 |
| International Basketball Federation (FIBA) | The Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association is a full member of FIBA andFIBA Europe. | Member | 1985 |
| International Island Games Association (IIGA) | Gibraltar is a member of the IIGA and participates in theIsland Games. | Member | |
| World Darts Federation | The Gibraltar Darts Association is a full member of the WDF. | Member | |
| World Athletics (IAAF) | TheGibraltar Amateur Athletic Association is a full member of the IAAF,European Athletic Association and theAthletic Association of Small States of Europe. | Member |
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