Following concerns aired late last year over the organization of the 2022 Mediterranean Games, officials from the ICMG have expressed a more positive attitude about the organization of the Games following a recent visit to Oran, Algeria
Officials from the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) have expressed their satisfaction at the progress made on the organization of the 2022 Mediterranean Games. The upbeat remarks come just months after officials from the organization expressed major concerns about the progress made by local organizers.
Bernard Amsalem, Chairman of the Coordination Commission for Oran 2022, presented a report on the recent progress made by local organizers during a meeting of the ICMG Executive Committee. He noted an accelerated pace from local organizers in the construction of sports venues and the Mediterranean Village, which will house athletes during the Games.
The ICMG complimented the new Olympic Complex of Oran, labeling it “impressive.” The organization also claimed the complex had been built according to modern architectural rules using the latest technologies, while also operating on the basis of green energy.
A review of the sports program, and a discussion on scheduling changes were also on the docket for the ICMG Executive Committee. It was announced that the wrestling competition would be included in United World Wrestling’s (UWW) ranking system, thus granting participating athletes points towards Olympic qualification.
:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/S4ARYGXNRZEFRDS5GEJ55BEUGM.jpg%20420w)
The ICMG Executive Committee also approved a request from local organizers to move the closing ceremony from July 5 to July 6, in order to avoid a clash with Algeria’s national Independence Day.
Speaking at a press conference, Davide Tizzano, President of the ICMG, stated, “I am really happy with the progress of the preparations for the next Mediterranean Games. I am even more happy after the conclusions of the work meetings that we had with the local Organizing Committee. I am also satisfied with the communion born with our Algerian friends.”
Tizzano’s comments represent a significant shift from the ICMG. The organization had noted its concerns about the organization of the Games late last year, with Bernard Amsalem, Chairmen of the Coordination Commission, expressing concerns over progress made in the areas of construction, technology, and transport infrastructure.
At the time, Tizzano commented, “we all want for the Games to be held in Oran, we will help in every way, but we cannot put in risk the top sporting event of the Mediterranean.”
However, Tizzano’s comments from this week’s ICMG Executive Committee meeting seemed to alleviate those earlier held concerns. The Italian sports executive stated, “we are on the right track to make a very good edition of the Mediterranean Games.”
