The first Mediterranean Games were held in 1951 in Alexandria, Egypt, and since then they have been held every four years in one of the countries in the region. Algeria had previously organized it in its capital in 1975, and the last session was held in 2018 in the Spanish city of Tarragona.
This year, the Mediterranean Games mean at least 25 countries of the Mediterranean, where more than 4,000 athletes are expected to participate, during which competitions will be held in 24 sports disciplines, including football, athletics, cycling, sailing, football and table tennis. also.
The competitions will be held in and around several locations in Oran: some were built for this occasion, others have been completely rehabilitated.
“The Algerian state has made exceptional efforts in terms of upgrading facilities to a record level and rehabilitating and modernizing the infrastructure stock. I think that Algeria will be able in a short time to organize any international event,” says Yassine Siafi, director of youth and sports for the wilaya of Oran.
Oran hosts the 2022 Mediterranean Games
Mediterranean Village Home of Athletes
A Mediterranean village was built in the east of the city. A real new neighborhood in Oran, covering 36 hectares, equivalent to 55 football fields, will be able to accommodate about 4,300 people, including athletes and team officials.
It is divided into three main areas: a residential area, an international area and a volunteer area. “It is equipped with various infrastructures and facilities, including 5 gyms, 4 restaurants, multi-specialty clinics and several sports fields for training. All amenities are available to provide residents with an impeccable place to live,” says Fouad Aissi, director of public facilities for the wilaya of Oran.
The new Olympic stadium
It is the new Olympic stadium with a capacity of 40,000 spectators, which was completed in 2019. It will host football and athletics matches, and of course the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games. Moreover, the stadium contains a hybrid floor and a mixture of natural grass and synthetic fibres.
It was important for the Mediterranean Games Organizing Committee to give athletes and public infrastructure a new edge. The Governor of the Mediterranean Games, Mohamed Aziz Derrouz, says that it will be an important legacy for Oran: “The specificity of the Games is to leave a legacy for the population and the national sports movement through this wonderful group that makes up the new Olympic complex in Oran.
soure: Euronews