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by Tiziana Di Giovannandrea August 24, 2019The XX edition of the Mediterranean Games will take place in Taranto in 2026. The assignment took place in Patras, Greece, during the annual assembly of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (CIJM) which established also the postponement of the edition that will take place in Puglia in 2026. The designation took place by acclamation at the end of the assembly of the Olympic Committees of the 26 Mediterranean countries. To convince the members of Cijm was the punctual presentation file of the city of Taranto as the most suitable venue for the Games.

"2026 will be a special year for Italian sport - Coni president Giovanni Malagò commented, hearing the news - In addition to the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, in fact, Italy, with Taranto and Puglia, will host the XX edition of the Mediterranean Games This is a new and important recognition for our country and, in particular, for the sports world which refers to the Italian National Olympic Committee and which is appreciated abroad for the skills shown in the organization of major events ".

Great satisfaction was also expressed by the president of Puglia, Michele Emiliano, who during the presentation explained how Taranto's candidacy: "Corresponds to the desire to re-launch and enhance this splendid city" and to reach the goal "of leaving a legacy positive that a great event like this can also involve in terms of international visibility and sustainable local development ".

The mayor of Taranto, Rinaldo Melucci, spoke of a "historic day" for the city.

Italy has already hosted three times the multidisciplinary sporting event dedicated to the 26 countries of the Mediterranean area, the last in 2009 in Pescara. The Mediterranean Games are back in Puglia 29 years after the 1997 edition in Bari. Representing Coni were the vice president Alessandra Sensini, the honorary member of the IOC Mario Pescante, the member of the Coni National Council and coordinator of the dossier of the candidacy, Elio Sannicandro, the presidents federal Michele Barbone (Danza Sportiva) and Angelo Cito (Taekwondo). The Italian delegation was also formed by the governor of Puglia, Michele Emiliano and the mayor of Taranto, Rinaldo Melucci.