365-day countdown to Mediterranean Games has begun

ISTANBUL

There are just 365 days left until the kick-off of the 20th Mediterranean Games to be held in Italy, Italian news agency ANSA reported Friday.

Exactly one year before the opening ceremony, a countdown clock was unveiled in Taranto to mark the 365 days remaining until the major sporting event begins.

The ceremony was held in front of the city hall and brought together several key figures.

Among those in attendance were Massimo Ferrarese, special commissioner and president of the Organizing Committee; Davide Tizzano, president of the International Committee; and Mayor Piero Bitetti.

Ferrarese described the clock as "a symbol of collective commitment — of a community, a territory, and a great Mediterranean family that believes in sport as a force that unites, inspires, and builds.

"The Games will also be held in other parts of Puglia. It's therefore a moment of joy for our region. What I ask of the citizens and all the institutions is: give us a hand. It took seven years to do all this. We have to do it in two and a half years, since we started, and that's an exceptional thing," he said.

Ferrarese emphasized that 41 construction sites and 21 municipalities were involved, highlighting the challenge of accomplishing so much in such a short time.

‘The Games are bridges between people’

Tizzano said the countdown began for an event that would bring together 26 nations across three continents in a celebration of sport, culture, and friendship, adding: "The Games are bridges between peoples."

"The enthusiasm of the city, of those who are working to make the event a success, is important," he added.

Taranto Mayor Piero Bitetti noted that the city would welcome 5,000 athletes, describing it as a celebration embraced with pride and determination.

"A new chapter in a different future, a future that could attract the attention of the entire world," he stressed.

With just a year remaining until the inauguration of the 20th Mediterranean Games on Aug. 21, 2026, Taranto is set to take center stage until Sept. 3.

The competition is expected to draw the attention of three continents, featuring thousands of athletes from 26 countries competing across 30 scheduled sports.