October 2003

Almería 2005: a clear success for ICMG

Pescara will organise 2009 Mediterranean Games

Photos

COJMA has again succeeded in one of the periodical check-ups run by the International Committee for the Mediterranean Games. This appointment was of great importance since there were two major issues on the agenda. Both the election of the host city of the 2009 Mediterranean Games and the new President of ICMG, after Claude Collard's resignation due to personal reasons, had to take place. Besides, Almería 2005 had a lot at stake, because the current state of works as well as the course of the Games organisation were to be comprehensively supervised by ICMG's members. Many of the facilities last visited by ICMG which were, at the time just drafts, are now under construction.

ICMG's members during the visit to El Toyo »

From among the twenty or more facilities which will host events in the Games, Cuevas de Almanzora Reservoir, "Juan Rojas" Stadium, "Las Almadrabillas" Sports Centre and Technical Sports Centre of the "Diputación de Almería" were chosen and visited by ICMG's members. The Technical Sports Centre was highly praised because of the fast pace of work since the last visit paid eight months ago. The soil movement for the canal construction has began in the "Cuevas de Almanzora" Reservoir and the old swimming pools in "Las Almadrabillas" have been demolished and works are underway. "Juan Rojas" Stadium also obtained the Committee's approval.

Particularly worthy of mention is the Mediterranean Villa, the most ambitious project for the Games. This urban complex was widely acclaimed by the visitors, especially for its close proximity to the sea and for its modern design of areas such as "Plaza del Mar" (Sea Square), where the future leisure offer in El Toyo will be concentrated.

During the General Assembly, which took place on Saturday 18 October in the Congress and Exhibition Centre (Aguadulce), COJMA's Chief Executive -Vicente Añó- submitted the progress report, which has been described by its President Juan Megino as "brilliant". The exposition was also applauded by the members of the Assembly.

Pilar de Borbón is greeting Claude Collard » Albert of Monaco »

COJMA set in motion a complex organisational structure. Over 120 journalists from 50 media were authorised to cover the Assembly. Delegations from Pescara, Rijeka and Patras -the three candidate cities for the 2009 Mediterranean Games- set up their promotional stands and outstanding public figures and dignitaries, such as Princess Pilar de Borbón, Prince Albert of Monaco, footballer Davor Suker and former water polo player Manuel Estiarte, attended the event.

After three tight elections, Pescara finally beat the other candidate cities with a project in which the great number of facilities already finished deserve to be highlighted. A third round, in which just a simple majority is required, was necessary for Pescara's designation.

Amar Addadi» Collard was rewarded with the golden emblem»

In comparison, the election of Amar Addadi as the new President of ICMG was easier since, with his 47 votes, he made it through to the first round. Addadi, member of the Algerian Olympic Committee, had been in charge of the Presidency of the Technical Committee for ICMG up to this point. Also, Claude Collard was rewarded with COJMA's golden emblem in tribute to over twenty years as President of ICMG.

Addadi was optimistic regarding COJMA's work and appeared confident saying that "Almería will organise the greatest Games in History." "I am delighted" -he pointed out- "with the fast pace of work as far as the facilities are concerned. There is usually some concern that deadlines will not be met, but this has not been the case in Almeria." With regard to the participation of main figures of the Mediterranean sport, the new President explained that the collaboration of different federations and national Olympic Committees were required.

Claude Collard showed his concern saying: "I do not wish for the Mediterranean Games to become an over-sensationalised event as has happened to the Olympic Games."