{
  "id": 2386888,
  "title": "Taranto, scattano i Giochi del Mediterraneo: in gara 26 Paesi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/taranto-scattano-i-giochi-del-mediterraneo-in-gara-26-paesi",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T14:11:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Il Sole 24 Ore",
    "slug": "il-sole-24-ore",
    "url": "https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/taranto-scattano-giochi-mediterraneo-gara-26-paesi-AJwAsQr"
  },
  "original_language": "it",
  "account": "Taranto inaugurates the 20th edition of the Mediterranean Games, featuring athletes from 26 countries across three continents competing in 33 sporting disciplines. Among the significant figures present at the event are Merez Boussayene, the first vice president of the International Games Committee, and Massimo Ferrarese, the president of the local organizing committee. The games' opening formula is to be delivered by President Sergio Mattarella in the Iacovone Stadium, alongside the presidents of the Senate and Chamber, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Raffaele Fitto, and representatives from Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Lebanon, as well as several ministers and ambassadors. The refurbished 20,000-capacity stadium was sold out several days in advance for the inaugural event. Boussayene stated, \"Taranto has changed its face. These Mediterranean Games have achieved an important result, breaking a record with 3,800 athletes.\" Ferrarese added, \"These Games will leave an important legacy as they will leave a sporting heritage that will serve future generations. Returning to Italy carries great significance. The deep connection between Italy and the Mediterranean emerges.\" Ferrarese mentioned that 275 million euros were invested in the games' infrastructure, 75 million in organization, and 6 million provided by the commissioner for street repairs in Taranto. He thanked the government and other institutions for their support, emphasizing that the games were delivered within the 275 million euro budget without any cost overruns. The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for August 21st, will feature a spectacular, scenic, and choreographed performance alongside artists such as Al Bano, Serena Brancale, and Mietta. Francesco Paolo Conticello, the CEO and Creative Director of G2 Eventi, which organized the inauguration, said, \"150 refers to a total number, including 85 dancers and other figures, though the exact numbers may vary depending on the scenes performed. This includes the national anthem, where a Magna Grecia orchestra will perform, as well as a segment featuring dancers and yet more dancers.\" The orchestra of Magna Grecia, appreciated for both its music and social support to the region, will be featured in the national anthem performance, which will be sung by 11-year-old Simone Grande from Rozzano, Milan, who won the second edition of The Voice Kids in 2023.",
  "summary": "Si alza il sipario sulla ventesima edizione dei Giochi del Mediterraneo a Taranto. I numeri sono significativi: 3.800 tra atlete e atleti, 26 Paesi partecipanti di 3 Continenti, 33 discipline...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Il Sole 24 Ore",
        "title": "Giochi del Mediterraneo, investiti 400 milioni per il rilancio di Taranto",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/giochi-del-mediterraneo-investiti-400-milioni-per-il-rilancio-di",
        "published": "2026-08-19T06:02:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}