«Now we can unlock the resources to start the most dynamic phase of the project. The implementing decrees have been signed.” Word of the Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi, speaking to journalists after meeting the commissioner and president of the organizing committee of the 2026 Mediterranean Games Massimo Ferrarese at the headquarters of the Taranto Chamber of Commerce, the deputy mayor of Taranto Gianni Azzaro, the CEO of Sport and Health Nepi Molineris and a representation of Taranto football led by president Massimo Giove.
Therefore, the transfer of assignments to the municipal administrations and the direct management by the commissioner of the construction sites will soon be possible with the precious support of Sport and Health which is the contracting authority and technical platform available to the latter.
«A further step forward has been taken – added Abodi – as we had hoped and in any case as it was natural. It was a useful meeting which once again established the methods of collaboration while respecting roles.”
«We want to do well – added the minister speaking of the overall organization of the Games – and the obligation to do well in the necessary time. We are convinced we can do it. I hope it sends a reassuring message to everyone.”
As for the note from the Puglia Region, which approved the agreement with the government on the list of the first section of the works, complaining about the fact that after more than a year and a half, the Municipalities are still waiting for the resources, available since January 2022 , Abodi said: “I value the agreement, which is the most important thing.” Commissioner Massimo Ferrarese hoped «that there will be no new controversies. I’ve been here for ten months and I remember that in October 2023 they decided to move the Games out of Taranto, we took them back by the hair, we’re working to make them happen and it’s a miracle if we succeed.”
The decrees on which the Puglia Region also intervened concern a first package of 27 sports facilities and count on 167 million in public funding out of a ceiling of 275 made available to the Government, of which 125 with the latest budget law. Having therefore overcome the controversy over the delays, the subject of a long letter two days ago from governor Emiliano addressed to the ministers Andrea Abodi and Raffaele Fitto, to the president of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, to the mayor Rinaldo Melucci and to the extraordinary commissioner Massimo Ferrarese in which the president established the Region’s approval for the agreement with the government on the implementing decrees.
«The critical issues that emerged in the construction and adaptation of the sports facilities were, in reality, determined by the delay in making financial resources available by the Government in favor of the Municipalities identified as implementing entities», Emiliano had written. And from Commissioner Ferrarese: «Despite numerous requests for a meeting from the Puglia Region, the Commissioner appointed by the Government never intended to speak with the Region, nor did he ever meet the Organizing Committee of the XX Mediterranean Games to delve into the technical aspects, administrative and management measures already planned for some time.”
Tags: Mediterranean Games Taranto Abodi unlocks resources competitions
