Fifty days before the opening of the Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026, the Organizing Committee presented the medal of the Games.

The event took place at the University’s Ionian Department, attended by the Minister of Sport, Andrea Abodi, the Minister of European Affairs, Tommaso Foti, the Special Commissioner and President of the Organizing Committee, Massimo Ferrarese and the Director General, Carlo Molfetta.

The International Committee of the Mediterranean Games was represented by the 1st Vice President acting as President Mehrez Boussayene and Secretary General Iakovos Filippousis.

In his speech, Mr Boussayene, stated: “Fifty days. At first glance, it is simply a number on a calendar. But for those who have carried this project forward for years, these fifty days represent so much more. Today is therefore not only a day of celebration. It is also a day of responsibility.

A day on which we look back with pride at the path we have travelled, while also recognizing with clarity the road that still lies ahead. Allow me, first and foremost, to express, on behalf of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG), our profound gratitude to the Italian Republic.

From the very first day, the Italian Government believed in these Games. It provided them with the resources to match their ambitions. It has supported their development with unwavering determination. The presence among us today of my friend, Minister Andrea Abodi, once again reflects the Italian State’s steadfast commitment to the Mediterranean Games and to the values they embody.

I would also like to pay tribute to the President of the Organising Committee, Massimo Ferrarese, the Director General, Carlo Molfetta, the national, regional and local authorities, the Apulia Region, the City of Taranto, the Italian Navy, our partners, the volunteers, and all the women and men who, often behind the scenes, dedicate their energy to the success of this 20th edition. Thanks to all of you, an ambitious vision has become a reality in the making.”

Mr. Boussayene also emphasized that we are getting in the final stretch for the games and the pace of work must become even more intensive. “The next fifty days will be decisive, as every area of the organisation must move to the next stage.

The companies working across the various construction sites will play a crucial role. I wish to commend them for the work already accomplished. But I also want to tell them that the history of these Games will be written over the coming weeks. Every venue delivered on schedule will strengthen the confidence of the entire Mediterranean family.

Every milestone achieved will bring Taranto one step closer to the first medal to which we all aspire. I also call upon every operational sector to demonstrate exemplary commitment. Transport will be one of the cornerstones of the success of these Games.

For the first time, the Athletes’ Village will be hosted aboard ships, offering an unprecedented experience in the history of the Mediterranean Games. This remarkable innovation must be matched by impeccable service standards, ensuring that every athlete, every delegation and every member of the support staff enjoys the same high level of hospitality, comfort, safety and assistance.”

Finally, the 1st Vice President noticed the ICMG’s full support to the efforts of the Organizing Committee. “For its part, the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games will continue to assume its full responsibility. Our role is to support. Our role is to encourage. Our role is also to be demanding. Because our responsibility is shared. And our success will be shared.

It is in this spirit that the ICMG Executive Committee has decided to further strengthen its support throughout this final phase of preparations.

The upcoming deadlines are particularly important, whether for the Olympic swimming pool, which is scheduled to host a test event on 15 July, the Opening Ceremony stadium, or all the other competition venues.

For this reason, following the next Coordination Committee mission, the Executive Committee will meet once again in extraordinary session on 16 July to assess the progress achieved and, together with the Organising Committee, support the decisions that will allow us to approach the final stretch under the best possible conditions.

Beyond that date, we will maintain continuous dialogue and regular follow-up with the Organising Committee until the Opening Ceremony. Not because we have doubts. Quite the contrary.

Because we have absolute confidence in the success of these Games. Because we know what they represent for Taranto, for Puglia, for Italy and for the entire Mediterranean family.

And because we want every athlete, every delegation and every visitor to discover, on 21 August, Games that fully reflect the ambitions we have shared from the very beginning.”