Mersin (Turkey), 20th June – the 17th Mediterranean Games began today at Mersin Stadium with the participation of 24 nations from Europe, Africa and Asia.

The Opening Ceremony, held in the presence of Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, IOC president Jacques Rogge, and many personalities, featured the traditional parade with the 3,000 participating athletes who will be competing for medals in the 32 sports on the programme, including 28 Olympic sports, plus two recognised sports, bowls and karate, and two Paralympic sports, swimming and athletics.

For the coming ten days, Mersin, aided by neighbouring Adana, will be host to this very special multisport event. The Mediterranean Games are a high level sports event and a cultural and fraternal gathering of the peoples of the Mediterranean basin, when they share sports competitions and human experiences that are convivial and friendly.

This is the second time that Turkey stages the Mediterranean Games, having already hosted them in Izmir in 1971.