The Executive of the International Committee for the Mediterranean Games has decided to withdraw the hosting of its 2013 Games from Volos, Greece. Volos had been granted the right to organize the Mediterranean Games 2013 provided the Olympic and ICMG Charters were observed, as weli ail the conditions of the Contract and Bid were implemented. Unfortunately, following the October 2007 contract not much was done by Volos. Moreover, the financial crisis in Greece did not help the situation ami a number of cost saving measures were accepted by the ICMG in ils efforts to have the Games held in Greece. But despite the passing of several months few improvements were made in the Sports venues although the ICMG out of respect for the Greek people, accepted facilities in nearby villages provided these would not be too stressful on the athletes. Last March the Greek Authorities were given a first formai warning that the Games would be withdrawn from Volos if the right corrective measures were not undertaken. Three Executive Committee meetings were held since April 2010 and every time the members discussed the possibiiity of Volos hosting the Games up to the usual standard. Also, three Co-Ordination Commission meetings stressed the importance of the Volos Organising Committee having proper financing of the Games, funds for upgrading I building of essential sports venues, and having proper accommodation for athletes and officiais. ICMG requested meetings with top officiais and insisted on written guarantees but this was to no avail. A final extension up to the lS~~ January was given to the Voios Organising Committee to produce: a) written government guarantees of availability of funds required for the proper Organisation of the Games; b) written guarantees for the upgrading / building of essential sports venues; c) detaiied proof of adequate accommodation for athletes and officiais. In an extraordinary meeting held in Paris on the 28Ih January, 2011, the ICMG Executive noted that these guarantees were not made and this in violation of the Contract and Bid. Consequently, despite its desire to have the Games hosted by Volos and Larissa, and although appreciating the great efforts made by some individuals connected with the Organisation, realizing that the future of the Games was being prejudiced, the ICMG had no alternative but to decide to withdraw the hosting of the Games from Volos. There was only one abstention anti no votes against this decision. Three of the Cities bidding for 2017 have now their willingness to organize the 2013 Games Tarragona, and Tripoli. Obviously Cities which were not even willing to organize the 2017 Games cannot be considered. The ICMG Members will now vote by the 23~ February for a new City to organise the 2013 Games.
