TARANTO – «Yes, we will make it». Carlo Molfetta, general director of the Mediterranean Games, in an interview granted to the Gazzetta, immediately admits to being optimistic but then assures that «despite time passing inexorably, we will organize a beautiful event for 2026, leaving Taranto with important legacies from the facilities and sports”. The appointment with the CEO is at Palazzo D’Aquino or in what will soon be the headquarters of the organizing committee.
Director, you are leaving for Morocco. Why are you going to Rabat?
«Tomorrow I will be presented to the Executive of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games. And on that occasion, I will illustrate the master plan as we have modified and updated it.”
What is the latest news?
«Recently, the list of sports disciplines that will participate in the Games was approved. Now there are 29 and the latest “arrivals” are skateboarding, canoeing and the roller marathon.”
At the start of the event, there are 855 days left and interventions need to be carried out in around 40 plants. But so far very little has been done. Really, where does your optimism come from?
«With the exception of the swimming stadium and, in part, the Iacovone stadium, these are not particularly complex works from a construction point of view. They are mainly redevelopment interventions. Which, therefore, can be carried out in 12-16 months at most. Of course, however, we must ensure that construction starts no later than the end of the year.”
Molfetta, all sports facilities deserve respect but for rossoblù fans there is only the stadium where Taranto FC plays. Are you aware of this?
“Absolutely yes. Moreover, the Sport and Health technicians continue to work on a project in which the renovation works coexist with the football played. Then, if this is not technically possible, we will put alternatives into practice.”
But will “Iacovone” be ready for the Games?
“I think so. At most, if it isn’t done in time, coverage of the system could be postponed.”
And will there be the inauguration ceremony there?
“Perhaps. I do not know yet. It could also be in another place or itinerant.”
Will the final of the tournament be played in the Salinella district facility?
«Yes, in fact I take this opportunity to announce that all the final stages of all team sports (semi-finals and finals) will be played in Taranto. My goal is to play the groups elsewhere, but then return to the Ionian capital for the decisive matches.”
At the moment, there is nothing of the swimming stadium. Here, the task seems difficult. Do you admit it?
«We have three scenarios ahead of us: building the two Olympic swimming pools; build them but without the covering or, as a last resort in case there were problems during the works, we could also install removable swimming pools as, moreover, they will do for the Paris Olympics. Which can be installed and then removed in two days.”
Yes, but in this way the Games would leave nothing as a legacy in Taranto.
«And, instead, the Ionian capital will have several precious legacies».
Which?
«In the Salinella district, I can’t be more precise for now, there will be an area where the skate track will be built and skate competitions can also be held, perhaps 3×3 basketball and four tennis training courts. Here, for example, Taranto could become a federal center for the roller-skating federation just as, if we build swimming pools, it could be for swimming. And, in this way, high-level meetings would take place in the Ionian capital.”
Finally, can you confirm that the athletes will be hosted on a ship moored at the docks of the port of Taranto?
“Yes, I confirm. One or two, I don’t know yet. The tender will be announced by July.”
Tags: Mediterranean Games Molfetta speaks Taranto sports
