The 57th edition gets under way today in Madrid with the Opening Ceremony at the complex of the Hotel Auditorium, where all the athletes are accommodated.

The ceremony will include the presentation of the squads taking part and the usual Holy Mass in several languages, including Maltese.

The Games also start today when the first Maltese will also be in action.

The girls basketball team will be playing against France at 7pm, while the handball boys team also faces French opponents at the same time. For both squads, the French will certain prove to be very tough opponents.

The tennis players will start their commitments earlier, at 4.30pm, in the singles competition.

Meanwhile, the athletes and the swimmers will start their competitions tomorrow.