Just a few hours before the Opening Ceremony of the Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026, the Mediterranean sports family gathered in an atmosphere of deep emotion and remembrance to honour the memory of the late President of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG), Davide Tizzano.

The commemorative ceremony, organized by the ICMG, in the presence of the Italian Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, brought together IOC members, members of the Executive Committee, representatives of National Olympic Committees, officials and friends of the Mediterranean Movement to pay tribute to a man whose vision, passion and dedication left an indelible mark on the Mediterranean Games.

The ceremony was opened by the ICMG Secretary General, Iakovos Filippousis, who welcomed the attendees in a very emotional moment and asked for a minute of silence to be observed. 

Warm and heartfelt tributes followed from ICMG Vice-President Mehrez Boussayene and the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), Luciano Buonfiglio. Both speakers recalled not only Tizzano’s remarkable achievements as a sports administrator and Olympic champion but also his human qualities: his integrity, generosity, determination and unwavering commitment to the ideals of sport.

Speaking with visible emotion, they described Davide Tizzano as a leader who inspired everyone around him, a visionary who believed deeply in the power of sport to unite cultures and nations, and a man who dedicated his life to serving athletes and the Mediterranean community.

One of the most touching moments of the ceremony came when the ICMG Order of Merit was posthumously awarded to Davide Tizzano. The distinction was awarded to his wife, Roberta, by the Vice-President Mehrez Boussayene.

In a further gesture of appreciation and remembrance, a special painting portraying Davide Tizzano was presented to his wife Roberta and his daughter Vittoria. The emotional tribute symbolized the affection, gratitude and respect felt throughout the Mediterranean sports family for a man whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

As the ceremony concluded, there was a shared sense that although Davide Tizzano is no longer physically present, his vision remains alive in every aspect of the Mediterranean Games.