Three continents with full unity at 17th Mediterranean Games in Mersin

At the opening ceremony of the Mediterranean Games in Mersin with 25 thousand audience, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the opening speech with President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge.

The Mediterranean Games reunited three continents with full unity in Mersin, thanks to its geographical position.

Rogge in his opening speech, said, "Athletes, welcome to Mersin, you will do your best for yourselves and your countries in the upcoming 10 days. I wish you all good luck".

Turkish Youth and Sports Minister Suat Kilic said, for the games, Turkey made a great effort in 18 months nonstop, after Greece withdrew from hosting the games.

The President of International Committee for the Mediterranean Games  Amar Addadi said in Turkish "good night Mersin and welcome all" and continued in French saying "Turkey took the responsibility of hosting the games in a very short time and have succeed in that."

In the parade, Turkish Greco-Roman wrestler Riza Kayaalp carried the Turkish flag.

The ceremony ended with fireworks show after a concert of Turkish popstar and singer Ajda Pekkan.

2 thousand 994 athletes from 24 countries will compete in the games.

Turkish National Team has participated in the games with 430 athletes. 

The facilities for the games were prepared in just 18 months after Turkey became the host country as Volos, a town in Greece, previously voted to be the host country, announced that it withdrew because of the economic crisis in the country.

englishnews@aa.com.tr