20th Mediterranean Games Just One Year Away
(MENAFN) With exactly one year remaining, the countdown to the 20th Mediterranean Games in Italy officially began Friday, as media reported.
A symbolic countdown clock was unveiled in Taranto, marking the 365 days left until the international sporting event kicks off. The ceremony took place in front of Taranto’s city hall and gathered prominent figures involved in the Games’ organization.
Among the attendees were Massimo Ferrarese, special commissioner and president of the Organizing Committee; Davide Tizzano, president of the International Committee; and Taranto Mayor Piero Bitetti.
Ferrarese described the clock as “a symbol of collective commitment — of a community, a territory, and a great Mediterranean family that believes in sport as a force that unites, inspires, and builds."
He highlighted the regional scope of the event: “The Games will also be held in other parts of Puglia. It's therefore a moment of joy for our region. What I ask of the citizens and all the institutions is: give us a hand. It took seven years to do all this. We have to do it in two and a half years, since we started, and that's an exceptional thing.”
Ferrarese further pointed to the scale of preparations underway, noting that “41 construction sites and 21 municipalities were involved,” underscoring the intense challenge of readying everything in such a tight timeframe.
Echoing the spirit of unity, Tizzano said the countdown marked the approach of “an event that would bring together 26 nations across three continents in a celebration of sport, culture, and friendship,” adding: “The Games are bridges between peoples.”
He also praised the local energy, stating, “The enthusiasm of the city, of those who are working to make the event a success, is important.”
Mayor Bitetti stressed Taranto’s pivotal role as host city, with plans to welcome 5,000 athletes. He described the upcoming Games as “a celebration embraced with pride and determination,” and said: “A new chapter in a different future, a future that could attract the attention of the entire world.”
Set to begin Aug. 21, 2026, the 20th Mediterranean Games will run through Sept. 3, placing Taranto at the center of a global sports spectacle. The event will feature thousands of competitors from 26 countries, spanning 30 sports across three continents.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
