Exactly one year before the Opening Ceremony, Taranto unveiled the large clock that will mark the 365 days separating us from the sporting event that will unite 26 nations and 3 continents.

The ceremony took place in front of the Palazzo di Città, in the heart of Taranto, in the presence of Massimo Ferrarese, Extraordinary Commissioner and President of the Organizing Committee, Mayor Piero Bitetti, and Davide Tizzano, President of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games. Together, they unveiled the countdown clock amidst the applause and emotion of the crowd.

Οn behalf of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games the ceremony was also attended by the Secretary General Iakovos Filippousis and the President of the ICMG Coordination Commission Taranto 2026 Stavri Bello.

President Massimo Ferrarese recalled the milestones achieved in just 19 months of work: “We’ve opened construction sites worth €275 million, distributed across 41 projects in 21 municipalities. €180 million for the city of Taranto alone, earmarked for Olympic swimming pools, PalaRicciardi, a nautical center, the Magna Grecia Tennis Center, a skate park, Palamazzola, and the Iacovone Stadium in Taranto, all according to schedule. The Games are a historic opportunity, and everyone—citizens and institutions—must work together to fully embrace it.”

Mayor Piero Bitetti stated: “In exactly one year, thousands of athletes from three continents will gather in our city to experience sport as a universal language of peace, friendship, and respect, a bridge between peoples and generations. From today, the countdown will accompany us, day after day, towards August 21, 2026, when Taranto will open its doors to the XX Mediterranean Games. This clock is not just a symbol of the passing of time: it represents the challenge that unites us as a community, the desire to show the world our history, our culture, and our hospitality.”

President Davide Tizzano emphasized that the Games are an event designed for young people. “We will use a fundamental weapon: hospitality: we will welcome girls and boys with curiosity and a desire to challenge themselves in a positive spirit. We will talk about smiles, medals, rising flags, and national anthems. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to promote this area.”

“The Aragonese Castle”, Tizzano continued, “tells us how important the Navy is to this city. At the Torpedo Base, a facility will be built in the city center, welcoming girls and women for four, five, and six sports: sailing, canoeing, rowing, and triathlon, right in the city center. The pool will finally give Taranto’s boys and girls the opportunity to train without having to travel far.”

The evening, hosted by journalist Monica Caradonna, host of Linea Verde Italia (RAI 1), intertwined sport and life stories in a talk with Carlo Molfetta, Olympic gold medalist and current Director General of the Games; Luigi Mastrangelo, multiple champion and head of the schools project; and Antonella Palmisano, queen of the race walk and Olympic gold medalist at Tokyo 2020, who captivated the audience by sharing her upcoming challenges and the determination that has made her a symbol of resilience and Italian pride.

The Magna Grecia Youth Orchestra enriched the ceremony with extraordinary performances, showcasing the talent of Taranto’s young musicians. The evening culminated with the Aragonese Castle illuminated with the colors of Italy and the symbols of the Games, while dancing fountains thrilled the audience.

The ceremony marked a crucial step, not just a symbolic one, on the road to the Games. The countdown from yesterday marks a journey of commitment, participation, and pride. Taranto is preparing for a decisive year and invites the entire Mediterranean community to share this journey toward an event that will unite sport, culture, and people.