The International Committee of Mediterranean Games (ICMG) Coordination Commission completed a successful two-day inspection visit to Taranto, Italy, ahead of the Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026. The visit, held in the presence of ICMG President Davide Tizzano and Secretary General Iakovos Filippousis, included high-level meetings with the Taranto 2026 Organizing Committee and extensive venue inspections.

During the meetings, the Commission reviewed the progress of preparations for the Games, expressing confidence in the work carried out so far while confirming several important decisions for the next stages of planning:

• Athletes’ Accommodation: Two cruise ships with a combined capacity of 6,000 beds have been confirmed to serve as the the “Mediterranean Village” during the Games. The public tender process for the ships is currently underway.
• Volunteer Program: A large-scale volunteering campaign is scheduled to launch in July 2025, aimed at mobilizing community engagement and support across the region.
• Transport Strategy: The strategic plan for transport operations during the Games was formally approved, ensuring efficient movement of athletes, officials, media, ITOs, VIPs and spectators.
• Demonstration Sports: ICMG officially approved the final list of demonstration sports in Taranto2026 Mediterranean Game’s program: Baseball5, Flying Disk, and Kickboxing were qualified.
• Mediterranean Family Hotels: The “Mediterranean Family” accommodation plan was confirmed, ensuring a welcoming environment for Athletes, National Olympic Committees, International Federations, sponsors, guests, and dignitaries.
• Venues’ Construction Progress: The Commission visited Stadio Nuovo Erasmo Iacovone, Multisports Indoor Hall PalaRicciardi, Athletics Stadium in Salinella, The Port of Taranto, New Swimming Stadium and Torpediniere Nautical Center reconfirming the progress of the renovation and construction of sports facilities. All venues must be delivered to the Taranto 2026 Organizing Committee by end of May 2026.

During the site visits, members of the Coordination Commission inspected key infrastructure that will serve in delivering high-quality sports events and in contributing to the legacy of the 2026 Mediterranean Games in the Region of Puglia.

The Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026 is scheduled to be held from 21 August to 03 September 2026 in Taranto, and will welcome thousands of athletes and delegations from across the Mediterranean basin, showcasing sport, culture, and unity.