Mediterranean Games: History, Membership, and Participation
The Mediterranean Games serve as a significant sporting event bringing together nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Established to foster regional cooperation and athletic excellence, the games operate under a unique organizational structure designed to ensure the longevity and stability of the competition.
The Origins of the CIJM
The formalization of the games occurred during the 3rd edition of the Mediterranean Games in 1959, held in Beirut. Gabriel Jemayel, who served as the head of the organization, the president of the Lebanese Olympic Committee, and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), recognized that the existence of the games was fragile. To secure their future, he spearheaded the creation of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games (CIJM), which officially began its interventions on June 16, 1961.
Membership and Participation Dynamics
While the games are primarily for National Olympic Committees (NOCs) bordering the Mediterranean, participation is not universal among all coastal nations. Notably, Israel and Palestine have not participated in the games. Additionally, Great Britain—which represents the British Overseas Territories of Gibraltar, Akrotiri, and Dhekelia—has also remained absent.
The Case of Israel
The exclusion of Israel has been a point of historical contention. In the book The Games Must Go On, Allen Guttman argues that this exclusion was politically motivated and antisemitic, driven by antagonism from participating Arab nations. This sentiment was echoed by then-IOC president Avery Brundage, who stated, "I cannot understand why anyone wants to go where he is not wanted."
Tensions peaked during the 1959 Beirut Games when the International Amateur Athletics Federation refused to permit athletics competitions unless Israel was allowed to compete. Gabriel Jemayel managed this conflict by organizing a parallel set of "Lebanese Games" for athletics events among the present nations, effectively sidestepping the federation's ruling while maintaining the official Mediterranean Games schedule.
Expanding Beyond Geographic Borders
Despite the geographic focus, several countries that do not border the Mediterranean Sea are permitted to participate. This group includes Portugal, Andorra, Kosovo, San Marino, Serbia, and North Macedonia.
Recent expansions include Kosovo, which was accepted as a CIJM member in October 2015 and made its debut at the 2018 Mediterranean Games in Tarragona, Spain. Similarly, Portugal began competing in the 2018 games following a decision that approved its status as an effective National Olympic Committee for the event.
Looking forward, the Hellenic Olympic Committee has suggested expanding eligibility further. They have proposed that nine additional countries not meeting the strict geographic criteria—including Bulgaria and Arab nations such as Jordan and Iraq—could be allowed to join the competition.
Key Facts
- Founded: The CIJM was officially established on June 16, 1961.
- Founder: Gabriel Jemayel initiated the CIJM to stabilize the games.
- Non-Bordering Members: Portugal, Andorra, Kosovo, San Marino, Serbia, and North Macedonia participate despite not bordering the sea.
- Recent Additions: Kosovo and Portugal both debuted in the 2018 Tarragona Games.
- Notable Absences: Israel, Palestine, and Great Britain do not participate.
| Category | Countries/Entities |
|---|---|
| Non-Bordering Participants | Portugal, Andorra, Kosovo, San Marino, Serbia, North Macedonia |
| Non-Participating Coastal Entities | Israel, Palestine, Great Britain (Gibraltar, Akrotiri, Dhekelia) |
| Proposed Future Members | Bulgaria, Jordan, Iraq (and others) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the CIJM officially established?
The International Committee of Mediterranean Games (CIJM) officially intervened on June 16, 1961.
Why does Portugal participate if it does not border the Mediterranean?
Portugal is one of several countries that do not border the Mediterranean Sea but are permitted to participate; it competed in the 2018 games after being approved as an effective National Olympic Committee.
What happened with the athletics events at the 1959 Beirut Games?
To resolve a dispute regarding Israel's exclusion, Gabriel Jemayel held parallel "Lebanese Games" for athletics events alongside the official Mediterranean Games competitions.
Which countries has the Hellenic Olympic Committee suggested for future inclusion?
The committee suggested nine additional countries, specifically mentioning Bulgaria and Arab nations such as Jordan and Iraq.
When did Kosovo first compete in the Mediterranean Games?
Kosovo was accepted as a member in October 2015 and participated for the first time in the 2018 games held in Tarragona, Spain.