Taranto: the Mediterranean Games get underway, with 26 countries taking part

The curtain rises on the 20th edition of the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. The figures are impressive: 3,800 athletes, 26 participating countries from three continents, 33 sporting disciplines – two of which are making their debut – and 1,853 medals to be awarded. These figures were highlighted by Merez Boussayene, first vice-president of the Games’ International Committee, and Massimo Ferrarese, president of the local organising committee, at the press conference held ahead of the start.

President Sergio Mattarella will have the honour of delivering the opening address for the Games at the Iacovone Stadium in Taranto. Joining him will be the Presidents of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, Ignazio La Russa and Lorenzo Fontana; Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni; the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Raffaele Fitto; along with four other heads of state (Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Lebanon) and two heads of government (Algeria and Serbia), as well as several ministers and ambassadors. The stadium – which has been completely refurbished and has a capacity of 20,000 – has been sold out for several days now for the opening ceremony.

“Taranto has changed its face. And these Mediterranean Games have marked a significant achievement, an extraordinary record with 3,800 athletes,” says Boussayene. “These Games,” he adds, “will leave an important legacy, as they will provide a sporting heritage that will serve future generations. Taranto is the fourth Italian city to host the Games, and returning to Italy is highly significant. It highlights the deep bond between Italy and the Mediterranean. Moreover, the use of ships to accommodate the athletes was an original idea, as it ties in with Taranto’s maritime heritage and the Mediterranean world.”

For President Ferrarese, ‘the Games belong to everyone; they have no political affiliation. As he points out, 275 million has been invested in infrastructure for the Games, 75 in the organisation, and 6 million provided by the commissioner to resurface the roads in Taranto. I would like to thank the Government for what it has done, but also the other institutions that have stood by us: the Puglia Regional Government, Taranto City Council and CONI, which form part of the Games’ steering committee. We haven’t gone a single euro over budget,” emphasises Ferrarese, “there have been no additional costs, as is usually the case. Within the 275 million, we saved around 23 million, which enabled us to offset the 18 million increase in costs; with the remainder, we carried out additional works, thereby providing further benefits to the local area. The sports facilities represent an important legacy, which I hope will be promoted, preserved and maintained over time.”

At the start of their speeches, both Boussayene and Ferrarese paid tribute to Davide Tizzano, the rower and president of the International Games Committee who passed away last December, and who had been at the heart of the Games for many months.