The Mediterranean Games have a long and rich history of promoting friendship and cooperation between the countries that share the Mediterranean Sea. They are the region’s most important multi-sport event, similar to the Olympic Games, but with limited participation in Mediterranean countries.
The idea for their creation was thrown in 1948 by Taher Pacha, an Egyptian official and member of the International Olympic Committee. His aim was to strengthen relations between Mediterranean countries through sport and peace.
Thus, in 1951, the first Mediterranean Games were held in Alexandria, Egypt, where 10 countries and 734 male athletes participated. They included classic sports such as athletics, swimming, football, boxing, and wrestling.
Since then, the Games have been organized every four years under the auspices of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (CIJM), which oversees the bid process, preparations and Olympic standards of competition.
The Games expanded significantly over the decades, including more and more countries, including those of Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
Great figures of world sports have participated in them, many of whom later became Olympic champions. For example, Italy, France and Spain are among the most successful countries historically.
A new chapter in the history of these games will be written in 2030, when Kosovo will be the host country of the Mediterranean Games. This will be the first time that a Western Balkan country will host such an event at this level.
The decision was taken by CIJM in 2023, after a candidacy prepared with the support of the Kosovo Olympic Committee and state institutions.
The organization of the 2030 Mediterranean Games in Kosovo is expected to include hundreds of athletes from over 25 countries, with competitions in more than 25 sports.
The head of the CIJM Coordination Commission for this event, Stavri Bello, has emphasized several times that the preparations are going according to plan and that “Kosovo has the opportunity to show itself as a modern country, capable of organizing an international event with Olympic standards.”
The event is expected to take place in Pristina and other cities such as Peja, Gjakova and Prizren, with the construction or renovation of several sports complexes, including centers for swimming, athletics and team sports.
For Kosovo, this will be not only a sporting achievement, but also a great international promotion, which can bring significant economic and touristic benefits. /Kosovapress/
