2030 Mediterranean Games

The 2030 Mediterranean Games (; ), officially known as the XXI Mediterranean Games, is a forthcoming international multi-sport event that is scheduled to be held from 24 July to 4 August 2030 in Pristina, Kosovo.

Bidding process

The International Committee of Mediterranean Games (CIJM) launched the bidding process for the 2030 games at a meeting of its executive committee held on 10 December 2022 in Pristina, Kosovo. In April 2023, CIJM announced the end of the candidature process and the sole candidate city, Pristina, for the 2030 Games. Pristina was confirmed as host city on 8 September 2023 during the ICMG General Assembly with 55 votes in favour, eight against and three abstentions.

Candidates

Pristina, KosovoCIJM president Davide Tizzano stated that "Kosovo, together with the neighbouring countries will be ready to organise the Mediterranean Games" following a meeting with the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani in December 2022. On 4 April 2023, the Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti, announced that Kosovo has officially applied to host the 2030 Mediterranean Games in Pristina. Kurti also stated that as Kosovo is a small and landlocked country, is expected that some will events to be held in neighbouring Albania. Pristina was officially confirmed as a candidate city by the CIJM on 1 April 2023. The formal host selection took place on 8 September 2023. Prishtina's bid was led by the Secretary General of the Kosovo Olympic Committee, Besim Aliti. This will be the first time that the event is held in a landlocked country and with two host countries.Additionally, it will mark the second instance of the Mediterranean Games being organized in a city without access to the Mediterranean Sea, following the 1983 Mediterranean Games held in Casablanca, Morocco. Additionally, it would be the second time that these games are organized in the Western Balkans, following the 1979 Mediterranean Games in Split, Croatia, in what was then Yugoslavia.

Development and preparation

The emblem for the bid to host the games was designed by Arian Hoti. The official promotional video for the games, released in November 2023, showcases the motto "This is how we do it!" and highlights the participation of several distinguished athletes. Notably, the video includes the presence of Olympic medalists Majlinda Kelmendi, Nora Gjakova, and Distria Krasniqi, alongside prominent figures Uta Ibrahimi, Meriton Korenica, Vedat Muriqi, and Donjeta Sadiku.

On 20 December 2024, Prime Minister Kurti and Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama formalised a cooperation agreement for the 2030 Games. This agreement facilitates the inclusion of DurrÃÂ«s, Albania, as a host city for the sailing events.This agreement also opened the possibility to add more venues in Albania if there is any need regarding the issue of other competition venues. .

Proposed Venues

Prime Minister Kurti had stated that a newly built national stadium, swimming pool complex, tennis stadium and shooting range will be built for the games. Five temporary venues are to be built and existing facilities such as the Palace of Youth and Sports will be renovated.

In addition to Pristina, events will also take place in cities across Kosovo such as Ferizaj, Gjakova, Mitrovica, Peja, Podujevo and Prizren. As Kosovo is a landlocked country, sailing and other events will take place in DurrÃÂ«s, in neighbouring Albania.

The games

Sports

24 sporting disciplines are expected to take place.

Sports that can be added to the program

The organizing committee has reserved the right to offer two to three additional sports including baseball 5, whitewater canoeing and kayaking, kickboxing and skating.

Participating nations

Athletes from 26 nations are eligible to participate in the games.

References

External links