With 100 days to go before the opening of the 20th Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026, the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) expresses its satisfaction with the current state of preparations, which have reached a decisive milestone in recent weeks.

This positive momentum was observed first-hand during the visit to Taranto by the ICMG First Vice-President and Acting President, Mehrez Boussayene, and the Secretary General Iakovos Filippousis, accompanied by two ICMG international experts.

On this occasion, the delegation held several working meetings with the leadership of the Taranto 2026 Organising Committee, led by its President, Massimo Ferrarese, in the presence of the Games General Director, Carlo Molfetta, and carried out site visits. These exchanges made it possible to assess concretely the significant acceleration achieved in preparations, both in terms of infrastructure and operational organisation.

Particular attention was given to key venues, including the main stadium set to host the Opening Ceremony, where the progress made reflects a strong commitment and a clear determination to meet the established deadlines.

Beyond infrastructure, the ICMG also noted the ramp-up of the Organising Committee’s teams, with a notable strengthening of human resources and increased mobilisation across all key sectors of the Games. This development reflects a clear transition into the final operational phase.

While welcoming this progress, the ICMG emphasises that the coming 100 days will be decisive and will require the continuation—and indeed the intensification—of this collective effort. In this context, the ICMG will maintain close monitoring and continue to provide full support to sustain this momentum and ensure optimal readiness by the time of the Games.

In this regard, Mehrez Boussayene stated:

“We welcome the progress achieved and the acceleration observed in recent weeks. It is essential to maintain this pace and to continue efforts with the same level of commitment and high standards, in order to deliver Games that meet the expectations of the Mediterranean sporting community. The ICMG will remain fully engaged alongside all stakeholders throughout this final stretch.”

For his part, Iakovos Filippousis underlined:

“We are now entering a key phase where operational readiness must translate into concrete delivery on the ground. The coming months will notably include the organisation of test events, which are essential to validate systems and fine-tune operations. This step will be decisive in ensuring that the Taranto 2026 Games meet the highest standards of excellence and full alignment with the Olympic Movement.”

This symbolic 100-days-to-go milestone is also an opportunity to pay tribute to the late ICMG President, Davide Tizzano, whose commitment and vision profoundly shaped the development of the Mediterranean Games.

During their visit, the Acting President and the Secretary General, accompanied by the President of the Ethics and Legal Commission, Francesco Purromuto, travelled to Naples to meet his family and once again express their deep gratitude and emotion.

Through this tribute, the ICMG reaffirms its determination to continue the work undertaken and to honour the legacy of its late President, by ensuring the full success of the Taranto 2026 edition.

With 100 days to go, the message is clear: preparations are progressing at a sustained pace, mobilisation is widespread, and all stakeholders remain fully committed to making Taranto 2026 a benchmark edition of the Mediterranean Games.