Mornati: “The Mediterranean Games confirm the growth of Italian sport”

The Mediterranean Games are now in the last act. The only thing missing is the great closing ceremony that will be staged this evening at the Olympic Stadium in Oran, Algeria: a full house is expected (and even more) for the great show that will involve a symphony orchestra, 200 choristers, drones, fireworks and above all Dj Snake, who will perform during the event. But for Italy it is already time to take stock. The first place in the medal table with 159 medals (48 golds, 50 silvers and 61 bronzes) consolidates us in the history of the 3-circle review: our country has won 14 times out of 19 editions (this is the fifth consecutive), and in Algeria he even improved the result of Tarragona 2018 by three podiums (156). “The success at the Mediterranean Games in Oran confirms the positive trend of Italian sport already seen at the Tokyo and Beijing Olympics, and this is an incredible injection of confidence for us”, commented Carlo Mornati, general secretary of Coni, during the press conference at Casa Italia.

The challenge

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For almost the entire duration of the 3-circle review, there was an endless challenge between Italy and Turkey to conquer the top of the medal table: “It was really exciting – added Mornati-, it gave spice to the event -. We finished in front of a nation that has invested a lot for these Games, as well as having many naturalized athletes among their ranks, especially in swimming ”.

Algeria

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Despite some organizational problems, Algeria nevertheless succeeded in carrying out a large-scale demonstration: “It was not easy to organize an event like this. We must honor Algeria, its Olympic Committee and see all its positive sides. Then it was the first appointment lived in the presence, without masks, with the stadiums and arenas full, which made our kids happy too. The Algerian people have always reserved us a great cheer and warm affection ”.

The numbers and the live

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During the conference all the numbers of the Italia Team in Algeria were shown. The Azzurri participated with 360 athletes involved in 224 races. Almost all Federations (21), apart from handball, have won medals. Great debut of Coni’s OTT platform, which for the first time in history broadcast the entire event live: 250 hours of live coverage, 500,000 views, 70,000 unique contacts. “We have filled the desire for sport that was there – underlined Mornati-. Also from Casa Italia, our “media factory”, 2,150 people have passed in 10 days, including athletes and guests. It is a format that works and that will be replicated at the next European multisport championships in Munich “.

Taranto 2026

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So all that remains is to wait for the passing of the baton from Algeria to Italy to inaugurate the four-year period that will lead to Taranto 2026: “For Italy it is a great bet, not only sporting but also organizational – concluded Mornati-. I have no doubts that it will be a fantastic edition, but it will be important to understand what the Games will leave to Puglia and Italy: I am quite confident because there is a great desire for sport also in the south of our country and I am sure that Taranto will seize this opportunity. to develop disciplines that do not exist today “.