Edmonton is Canada’s best sports city according to a 2014 international ranking.
Around the Rings and TSE Consulting annually rank the top 50 cities around the world by how much the public associates sport with the city.
This year, Edmonton was the first Canadian city listed with a ranking of 11.
Councillor Bryan Anderson said he could see why the city moved up from its former spot at 44 last year.
“I think our past history of hosting major world events and the fact that we have got them in on time and on budget on a regular basis, all of these things will conspire to give us a leg up when it comes to supporting teams and the activities that are going on in our city,” he told CTV News.
Many Edmontonians agree.
“I think we have a great city. I think there are lots of things for our kids to play and do,” Jacquie Fairweather said.
Jennifer Krochak said it was more than just kids that were active.
“We are full of people watching and playing hockey. Outdoor rinks are full. Ski hills are full. We are active. We are embracing winter,” Jennifer Krochak said.
“I think that a lot of people are involved in sports because there are not as many festivals, the weather doesn’t permit so people are forced to be inside a lot of the year,” Ed Jomha explained.
London, England has consistently been number one since the rankings began in 2012.
This year Sydney moved from third to second place followed by Rio de Janeiro.
Los Angeles was the first city from the United States with a ranking of eight and Vancouver dropped from sixth place to 12, ranking it behind Edmonton.
Results are based on a public online vote and industry votes from sports experts.
New cities expected to be added next year are Calgary, Dallas and Montreal.
With files from Kelsey Nichols
