Lights, music, and a packed square have kicked off the official countdown to the 20th Mediterranean Games.
    Exactly one year after the opening ceremony, the large clock that will mark the 365 days of anticipation for the sporting event, which will take place from August 21 to September 3, 2026, in Taranto, was unveiled.
    The ceremony took place in front of the city hall and was attended, among others, by Massimo Ferrarese, Special Commissioner and President of the Organizing Committee, Davide Tizzano, President of the International Committee, and Mayor Piero Bitetti.
    "This is a moment of joy for our region," said Ferrarese.
    "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 exceptional." At the heart of the event was the unveiling of the countdown clock, accompanied by a show of sounds and projections that transformed the evening into a collective celebration.
    Culture was also given prominence, with the Magna Grecia Youth Orchestra performing a performance designed to showcase local talent.
    A panel discussion with some well-known local athletes was also scheduled, highlighting the role sport can play in the education and growth of a community.
    The evening concluded with the illumination of the Aragonese Castle in the colors of the Games.
    This initiative marked the concrete beginning of the buildup to an event that aims to leave a lasting legacy in terms of visibility and infrastructure for the city and the surrounding area.
    The competitions will take place not only in Taranto, but also in Lecce and the Brindisi areas.
    The main facilities targeted for renovation or restructuring are the Erasmo Iacovone Stadium, the PalaRicciardi, the swimming stadium, and the water sports center.
    The awarded projects were launched by 'Sport e Salute' with a single call for tenders.
    The international sporting event will involve five thousand athletes from 26 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
    The Mediterranean Games are a multi-disciplinary sporting event open to Mediterranean nations and some inland nations.
    The competition is inspired by the Olympic Games and aims to promote sport and cooperation among the peoples of the Mediterranean.
    Italy is the nation with the most medals in the history of the Games, thanks to the many champions of past editions, including Pietro Mennea, Sara Simeoni, Yuri Chechi, Federica Pellegrini, and Vanessa Ferrari.
    The first edition was held in 1951 in Alexandria, Egypt, and the last in 2022 in Oran, Algeria.
   

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