The International Committee of Mediterranean Games –ICMG– has awarded its highest distinction, the Order of Merit, to the President of the Algerian Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. It is the first time in the organisation’s history that this honorary distinction is granted to a Head of State. The decision was adopted unanimously by the ICMG Executive Committee, which emphasised the institutional significance of the gesture within the Mediterranean Sports Movement.
The Mediterranean body noted that the award recognises President Tebboune’s efforts in developing policies aimed at strengthening Algeria’s national sports structure, from grassroots programmes to high-performance sport. It also highlighted the sustained support for clubs, schools and universities, as well as the country’s capacity to host major international competitions.
Among the key factors considered was the organisation of the Oran 2022 Mediterranean Games, which the ICMG described as a benchmark edition in terms of operational delivery, participation levels and institutional impact.
What happened in Oran during the 2022 Mediterranean Games
The Oran 2022 Mediterranean Games brought together more than 3,000 athletes from 26 countries across 24 sports and over two hundred events, with strong participation throughout the competition schedule and full stadiums during the official ceremonies. The Games were held at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex, a newly built sports hub comprising a main stadium, multi-purpose arenas, an aquatics centre and additional training and competition venues. These facilities were designed to position Oran as a leading host city in the region and to enhance its capacity to stage international sporting events.
Academic studies note that Oran 2022 acted as a driver for urban and sports investment, contributing to new infrastructure projects, the renovation of transport routes and upgrades to municipal facilities. They also indicate positive social effects, including temporary job creation linked to the event, increased activity in the tourism sector and perceived improvements in mobility, public spaces and urban services. The international exposure generated by the Games strengthened Oran’s image as a host city and elevated its visibility within the Mediterranean sports community.
The legacy of Oran 2022 continues through the sustained use of its venues, which have hosted regional competitions such as the Arab Swimming Championships and part of the programme of the 2023 Arab Games, as well as additional events organised by sports federations in the region. Ongoing activity at the Miloud Hadefi Complex and the allocation of new competitions have consolidated Oran’s role as a regional sports hub, ensuring continued use of the infrastructure developed for the Games.
Official ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Algiers
The Order of Merit was presented by the ICMG First Vice President, Mehrez Boussayene, while the official diploma was delivered by the Secretary General, Iakovos Filippousis, in the presence of the organisation’s President, Davide Tizzano, during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Algiers. Also in attendance were the President of the Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee –COA–, Abderrahmane Hammad, and International Olympic Committee –IOC– member Mustapha Berraf.
During the ceremony, Mehrez Boussayene stated: “We had the honour of being received by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. This is a great honour for the Mediterranean Family. We awarded the President of Algeria the Order of Merit in recognition of his contribution to the Mediterranean Games held in Oran, Games that were historic and successful in every aspect. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s statement that Algeria will always be ready to host the Mediterranean Games is proof of his commitment to youth and sport.”
