Portugal's Portimão and Lagoa Awarded 2027 Mediterranean Beach Games Hosting Rights

Portugal to Host 2027 Mediterranean Beach Games

The International Committee of Mediterranean Games (ICMG) has officially awarded the hosting rights for the 4th Mediterranean Beach Games in 2027 to the Portuguese municipalities of Portimão and Lagoa. The announcement was made following a unanimous vote at the ICMG General Assembly held in Heraklion, Crete, on September 8, 2023. This decision marks a significant achievement for Portugal, which aims to host the 'best Mediterranean Beach Games ever' and showcase the country's capabilities on an international stage.

Key Details and Venues

The 2027 Mediterranean Beach Games are scheduled to take place from September 11 to 18, 2027. The event is expected to draw athletes from the 26 National Olympic Committees that comprise the ICMG. The bid presentation, led by José Manuel Araújo, Secretary-General of the Olympic Committee of Portugal (COP), and Isilda Gomes, Mayor of Portimão, emphasized the region's suitability. Advantages highlighted included 'excellent beach areas,' a 'good number of hotels,' the region's history of 'organising major international events,' and the accessibility provided by Faro Airport.

Competition venues will be strategically located across the two municipalities, utilizing their natural coastal assets. These include:

• Praia da Rocha (Portimão)
• Alvor (Portimão)
• Praia Grande de Ferragudo (Lagoa)
• The Arade River estuary, which connects Portimão and Lagoa

Sporting Program and Ambitions

The Games will feature a diverse range of beach and water sports. Expected disciplines include:

• Beach Handball
• Canoeing (sea)
• Beach Football
• Karate (kata)
• Beach Wrestling
• Open Water Swimming
• Rowing (sprint)
• Beach Tennis
• Sailing (iQFoil and Formula Kite)
• Beach Volleyball
• Triatle
• Padel

Additionally, obstacle racing and motosurf are planned as exhibition events. Luís Encarnação, Mayor of Lagoa, expressed 'enormous pride and honor' in co-hosting, emphasizing the event's potential to attract visitors and showcase the region's hospitality. The previous editions of the Mediterranean Beach Games were held in Pescara, Italy (2015), Patras, Greece (2019), and Heraklion, Greece (2023).