The recent holding of the Evaluation Seminar of the 3rd Mediterranean Beach Games Congress “Heraklion 2023” in Skopje, North Macedonia, reaffirmed the success of these Games and offered a unique opportunity for future venues to improve the organization of this event. This meeting, organized by the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) in collaboration with the Olympic Committee of North Macedonia, brought together representatives of National Olympic Committees, International Federations and delegates of the next Mediterranean Games “Taranto 2026” and “Lagoa & Portimão 2027”.
During the seminar, ICMJE Secretary General, Iakovos Filippousis, stressed the importance of this type of meeting to take advantage of previous experiences and ensure the continuity of good practices in future editions of the Games. “We learn from our mistakes and will continue with successful practices for the benefit of the next editions,” Filippousis pointed out, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to management based on transparency and constant learning.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
The seminar included important recognitions for outstanding figures of the Mediterranean sports movement. The President of the North Macedonian Olympic Committee, Daniel Dimevski, received the “Special Trophy of the Mediterranean Games” for his work in the development of sport in the region. Dimevski, in turn, recognized the work of Secretary General Filippousis and athletes Vladimir Bogoevski and Mirko Dimchevski, both medalists in previous editions of the Games.
The Heraklion delegation, led by the president of the organizing committee, Nikos Ntampakakis, presented in detail the achievements and figures of the “Heraklion 2023” Beach Games. During this presentation, the final report of the Coordination Commission, headed by Ilias Dalainas, qualified the Games as a well organized event that left the National Olympic Committees and International Federations satisfied. The contribution of “Heraklion 2023” to the evolution of the Mediterranean Beach Games was recognized as fundamental to improve future editions.
TECHNOLOGY AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION
Technology and television production were central topics at the seminar. Mauro Cedrani, director of the company Microplus and technological partner of the CIJM, shared the advances in timing and scoring implemented in Heraklion, while Andreas Aristodemou, director of EBU Olympics, presented the audience data of the last editions of the Games, emphasizing the importance of effective TV planning and distribution to maximize the global reach of the Mediterranean Games.
These technological improvements have allowed a detailed and accessible monitoring of the event, contributing to increase the visibility and impact of the Mediterranean Games in the international sports scene. Television production has become a key element in attracting the attention of audiences around the world and strengthening the Games’ relevance in the sports calendar.
TARANTO 2026 AND LAGOA & PORTIMÃO 2027
Finally, the organizing committees of “Taranto 2026” and “Lagoa & Portimão 2027” presented their progress and projections for their respective events. Carlo Molfetta, general manager of the Taranto Games, announced a budget of 300 million euros to ensure a lasting legacy in the Puglia region. On the other hand, the “Lagoa & Portimão 2027” delegation highlighted the development potential of the Beach Games and the event’s ability to promote Mediterranean unity.
The seminar concluded with a shared vision among the attendees on the potential of the Mediterranean and Beach Games as platforms for cooperation and development in the region. It is hoped that future editions of these events will continue to consolidate the Mediterranean sports movement and offer growth opportunities for both athletes and host communities.
