On the sidelines of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session, the Acting President and First Vice-President of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG), Mr Mehrez Boussayene, officially presented invitations to the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026.

The invitations were presented to IOC President Mrs Kirsty Coventry, IOC Honorary President Mr Thomas Bach, IOC Director General Mr Christophe De Kepper, and Mr James Macleod, Director of NOC Relations and Olympic Solidarity.

On this occasion, the IOC President confirmed that the IOC will be officially represented at the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026 by Mr Spyros Capralos, Member of the IOC Executive Board.

This designation reflects the IOC’s continued interest in and commitment to the Mediterranean Games, one of the Olympic Movement’s most important regional multi-sport events.

These meetings further highlighted the strong institutional relationship between the International Olympic Committee and the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, built upon a shared commitment to the values of Olympism, dialogue and cooperation among peoples. The confirmation of the IOC’s official representation at the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Mediterranean Games constitutes a clear expression of confidence in the ICMG and in the entire Mediterranean Games family.

It also reaffirms the unique place of the Mediterranean Games within the Olympic Movement and paves the way for a Taranto 2026 edition to be held under the banner of unity, excellence and legacy.