At Taranto 2026, a new generation of young ambassadors is using culture, sport and shared experiences to bring the Mediterranean closer together. A handwritten message sits among dozens of others on a long blue dress aboard the Aroya cruise ship.
The words are simple, but they capture the spirit of an initiative that is giving young people from across the Mediterranean an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and discover what they have in common.
The Mediterranean Young Ambassador programme, led by Croatian Ljiljana Ujlaki Subic through the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, ICMG, has created a lively space aboard the cruise ship where athletes and visitors can experience the cultures, traditions, food and lifestyles of other Mediterranean nations.
The project is not simply about introducing young people to different cultures. It is also designed to create connections that can continue from one edition of the Mediterranean Games to the next.
Denise Panagopoulou and Ljiljana Ujlaki
The long blue dress has become one of the most visible symbols of that idea. Athletes competing at Taranto 2026 have been writing their own messages on the dress, creating a colourful collection of thoughts and wishes that will be passed on to the next Games. The dress appears to draw inspiration from traditional North African clothing, while the handwritten messages reflect a much broader Mediterranean identity.
They are written in different languages, but many express the same ideas. Hope, friendship, solidarity, unity and a belief in the power of sport to bring people together.
The atmosphere around the project is deliberately informal. A camera-equipped “magic box” takes photographs of visitors before their pictures are pinned to a large board. Young ambassadors move among the visitors, explaining the activities and encouraging teams and athletes to take part. Coaches can also occasionally be seen joining the young people, adding to the relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
Creative Studio
Working closely alongside Ljiljana Ujlaki Subic has been Denise Panagopoulou, the ICMG Mediterranean Young Ambassador Coordinator and an OVEP implementer.
A former tennis athlete and sports executive from Greece, Panagopoulou brings extensive experience in Olympic Games management, international sports governance, Olympic education and high-performance coaching. Her experience has placed her at the centre of the project, helping turn its vision into a programme built around the values of sport and Olympism.
Panagopoulou says the programme began in April 2026 together with Subic, with the support of two mentors, Silvia Beatriz Dalotto from Argentina and Maria Bulativa from Ukraine. Inspired by the European Olympic Committees’ Young Ambassadors programme and supported by its programme leader Natasa Jankovic, the team worked closely with the ambassadors to build the initiative from the ground up.
With the support of the ICMG, the project has also been designed to create a lasting legacy for future editions of the Mediterranean Games. For Panagopoulou, the most important part of that journey has been the young people themselves. She describes the ambassadors as “a dream team”, praising their commitment and remarkable contribution.
Athletes – Taranto 2026
Traditional sweets from countries participating in the Mediterranean Games are displayed for visitors to taste. The young ambassadors welcome visiting teams, explain where the different sweets come from and often encourage their guests to try them.
Nearby, a box contains small handwritten messages left by athletes. Visitors are encouraged to take one and leave another behind for someone else to discover.
The note I picked up carried the words “Peace and Love, Sport for All.”
Taranto 2026
For Dr Selhan Ozbey, a senior member of the ICMG Education Commission who was among the young people involved in the project, these activities have a purpose that goes well beyond entertainment.
Amid the crowds, she explained that the initiative is an educational project and that it is intended to continue beyond Taranto 2026 and be carried forward to the next edition of the Mediterranean Games.
That educational approach can be seen throughout the programme, which includes Traditional Days and a Meet a Champion initiative. Through the latter, the young ambassadors speak with athletes from different countries about personal experiences that have shaped their lives and may inspire others.
Young ambassadors project
A young Moroccan powerlifter and medical student, Anas Madani, one of the ambassadors I met aboard the Aroya, explained why these activities matter to the young generation involved.
“This programme was created by the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, the ICMG, and we are the first generation of Young Ambassadors of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games,” he said.
“The aim is to organise different activities and provide education and awareness about subjects such as athlete protection and safeguarding, safe sport, friendship and all the positive values that the Mediterranean Games promote.”
Athletes – Taranto 2026
For him, the programme is also an opportunity to challenge the barriers that can separate people.
During our conversation, he spoke warmly about the importance of looking beyond nationality, race, religion and language and seeing sport as a common ground between people.
That same belief was reflected in the words of another young ambassador from Tunisia, Ghazoua Nafti, a woman pursuing a PhD in sports science.
For her, being part of the first generation of Young Ambassadors is both an honour and a responsibility, particularly because she sees the programme as an opportunity to encourage more women and girls to participate in sport.
Young Ambassadors of the Mediterranean Games
“For me, being part of the first generation of Young Ambassadors of the Mediterranean Games is a great honour, but it also comes with a great responsibility,” said.
“As a young woman, I believe sport has the power to improve lives, empower women, build confidence and create new opportunities.”
Her message is directed at girls who may still face barriers to becoming involved in sport.
“I want to encourage every woman and girl to take that first step, whether it is joining a sports club, trying a new activity or simply becoming more active in everyday life.”
Mediterranean Young Ambassador Project
She believes that young women can also influence others simply by making themselves visible in sport.
“I am proud to be part of this journey and to use my voice to encourage more women to participate in sport and believe in themselves.”
“I hope that through the example we provide, more girls will gain the confidence to take part in sport, dream big and find their rightful place in the world of sport.”
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