The Mediterranean has long stood as a meeting point of civilizations, connecting nations across three continents, Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East and Asia. Its significance goes beyond geography. Today, an estimated 550 million people live in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, with roughly 28 to 32 percent under the age of 18. This is a demographic for whom sport and the Olympic movement can play a meaningful role.

The Mediterranean Games, often described as a mini-Olympics for the region, have a history spanning more than seven decades. First held in Alexandria in Egypt, the Games have grown to include 26 participating nations. While their journey has seen both highs and lows over time, there is a shared understanding that the Mediterranean Games must assume a more influential role in the region and continue to strengthen their standing within the international sporting landscape.

Against this backdrop, we spoke with Iakovos Filippousis, Secretary General of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, to gain insight into how the organization plans to further enhance its role across Mediterranean sport.

“In the first place, I must say that the Mediterranean Games are not simply a sporting event,” Filippousis said. “They are a cultural occasion and a bridge that connects different cultures, religions and nations. It is a movement embraced by people of great diversity who share a deep connection to the Mediterranean identity. For many countries, the Mediterranean Games are the second most important event after the Olympic Games.”

“We have 26 National Olympic Committees that consistently take part in our events, and we are proud that despite conflicts and tensions in the region, the Mediterranean Games have never been boycotted by any country or NOC. This gives us a unique role within the international sporting movement in the Mediterranean sphere. Obviously, the Games are not merely an international sports competition, but an institution with a strong cultural and social impact.”

In line with the Olympic movement

“Our core values are aligned with the ideals of the Olympic movement. This means cultivating peaceful coexistence and friendship, strengthening solidarity and enhancing resilience. We encourage our members to live alongside one another, because sport serves as a powerful tool to connect cultures and futures and change lives. Athletes compete, but they also share the Mediterranean Village and live together, which is fundamental to the spirit and structure of our Games. In today’s geopolitical context that message has never mattered more.”

“For us, there is no North, South, East or West. We are part of the Mediterranean world, where Olympic values were born in ancient Olympia. Our mission is to promote these values, and we are proud that all our members remain committed to these principles.”

International Federations of sport must remain at the very heart of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, and understanding how many of them work closely with the Mediterranean Games is of particular importance. The Secretary General explained the approach in this regard.

“I must say that our structure and framework are fully aligned with the Olympic model. This means that the entire organisation of the Games follows Olympic standards, and our most important stakeholders in delivering the event are the International Federations,” Filippousis said.

“On average, the Mediterranean Games include 27 sports. Sometimes the number is 24 and sometimes it rises to 30. This year in Taranto, due to a decision by the Executive Board to include urban sports such as skateboarding and 3×3 basketball, we will host 33 sports in total.”

“We are proud of our cooperation with the International Federations, each of which appoints a Technical Delegate to ensure that all their rules and regulations are fully respected and implemented.”

Close cooperation with ITA

“We also work closely with the International Testing Agency to guarantee the credibility and transparency of our Games.”

“One very important point is that over the past two years many International Federations have recognised the quality of our Games, evaluated the performances of our athletes and included the Mediterranean Games in the Olympic qualification ranking system for Los Angeles 2028.”

“This is highly significant and very attractive for elite athletes, as it provides an additional opportunity for them to pursue their Olympic dream.”

He also spoke about the organisation’s ongoing plans and the reforms currently being implemented within the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games.

“We are on a path of continuous growth on the international Sports’ stage. Since 2021 and under the leadership of the late President Tizzano, we have worked to professionalise our structure and raise the level of our activities in order to reach the highest international standards. We are pleased to be financially independent, with our operations sustained through our own revenues, including sponsorship, partnerships, licensing, broadcasting rights and, of course, the revenues generated from hosting events,” Filippousis said.

“This allows us to grow steadily, ensure transparency in our operations and keep all our members actively engaged. One of our key priorities and core missions is to support the development of Olympic sports in member countries and among the younger generation.”

Reforms are underway

Filippousis added that reform remains a central part of the organisation’s identity.

“We are ambitious. We like reforms. As Mediterranean people, we are passionate and always eager to offer new conditions for our athletes. That is why we have approved several important policies and practices within our Executive Committee. Good governance and accountability are at the heart of everything we do” he said.

“For example, after the Taranto Games, we approved Safeguarding Olympic standards frameworks for athletes.”

“We also launched a new initiative called Mediterranean Young Ambassadors, which will further increase engagement and attract more young athletes to our Games.”

“The Taranto 2026 edition will be a landmark moment for our movement, since we will be celebrating 75 years of Mediterranean Games. The city of Taranto and the Organising Committee have put in a great amount of work to ensure that these Games meet the highest standards. We are confident that Taranto will deliver an exceptional experience for athletes, officials and spectators alike, and that these Games will leave a lasting legacy for the region.”

Speaking during his visit to Batumi at the invitation of the European Weightlifting Federation for the opening of the European Weightlifting Championships, Filippousis also highlighted the importance of weightlifting within the Mediterranean Games.

“Weightlifting has been one of the most important sports in our core programme for decades. We work closely with national federations across European countries. We are proud that many Olympic medallists in weightlifting from Mediterranean countries were also Mediterranean Games champions in the past. This has significantly contributed to the development and strength of the sport across the region,” he said.

“The Weightlifting Federation has organised an excellent event in Batumi, supporting athletes and successfully attracting a large number of participants to these European Championships. It is clear that they have made every effort to ensure the best possible conditions for delegations and the smooth delivery of the event.”

Photos by Easy Sport