Alicante Aims to Host the 2031 Mediterranean Beach Games

Beach sports are becoming increasingly popular, especially in a city like Alicante where the warm temperatures and sunshine extend the season well into autumn and start with spring. For this reason, the municipality aims to succeed the Portuguese city of Portimao (2027) in hosting the fifth edition of the Mediterranean Beach Games in 2031.

Athletes from Africa, Asia, and Europe participate in the event, with attendees following sports such as beach handball, beach volleyball, beach soccer, beach tennis, beach wrestling, open water canoeing, beach karate (kata), open water swimming with fins, open water swimming, coastal rowing, and triathlon. Alicante has added beach rugby, surfing, and sailing - in the former 470 class - to its bid.

The Alicante City Council approved the submission of this bid on Tuesday in a Government Board meeting. Toni Gallego, the Sports Councilor, stated that "this new initiative is part of the municipal policy to ensure Alicante remains a leader in large-scale sporting events, suitable for a city of its characteristics."

During the last edition held in 2023, nearly 800 athletes participated in the Greek city of Heraklion. The massive public attendance at the various venues where the competition took place and the significant media coverage, both national and international, have been, according to Gallego, two of the elements that have made possible the "written commitment of local authorities" - as stated in the participation rules - to submit the bid.

The next edition will be in 2027 in Portimao (Portugal). An edition with which it is expected that by increasing the number of disciplines, up to 1,500 athletes could participate. After the Portuguese city, Gallego hopes it will be Alicante's turn, so if the number continues to grow, there could be up to 2,500 competitors by 2031 who will travel to the city if it is chosen.

Alicante pursues a dual objective if it manages to host the Mediterranean Beach Games: to promote Alicante sports figures such as Jorge Crivillés - open water swimming - and Lucía Navarro - coastal rowing -; and to enhance the sports facilities located on San Juan beach and even build new ones if necessary.

Alicante is the only city in Spain competing to host these Games, with the backing of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will decide in 2025 where the 2031 Mediterranean Beach Games will be held.

Gallego also highlighted that "this major sporting event with international relevance and projection helps, by being held in September, to de-seasonalize the tourist offer. Sports tourism is one of the main economic drivers of the city because, at the same time, it boosts Alicante's hospitality and commerce."

The Mediterranean Beach Games in Heraklion were held between September 9 and 16, the dates of the opening and closing ceremonies. Athletes from 25 countries competed in thirteen sports disciplines. In the overall medal table, counting all three editions, Spain has won a total of 43 medals. It ranks fourth in that classification with 18 golds, 11 silvers, and 14 bronzes. Ahead are Italy, Greece, and France.