The president of the Mediterranean Games Organisation, Amar Addadi is attending the Games in Cyprus, on an invitation from the Cypriot National Olympic Committee.

The Mediterranean Games are being held in Pescara, Italy, later this month.

He said he was impressed with the good level of these Games. "From what I have seen, it is a good competition and I am sure that the participation of the athletes from the small nations (five will be represented at Pescara) will be successful," he said.

He added that the organisers have confirmed that the earthquake in L'Aquila, not far away from Pescara, had not affected the venues. "There might be just one change. The football stadium at L'Aquila might have to be avoided, but all the other venues are safe. The only problem seems to be the organisation of athletes in the hotels. Most of these are occupied by persons who suffered heavy losses because of the earthquake. Many families are living in these hotels as the Civil Protection authorities in Italy took such action in the interest of those affected by the earthquake," he said.

Addadi said he was told the organisers are expecting around 3,500 athletes and 1,500 officials to take part and these are to be accommodated free of charge, though not for the whole duration of the Games.

He also said that these will be the biggest Games ever. "In Almeria, Spain, we had 21 countries. In Pescara, there will be 23 with the inclusion of Andorra and Montenegro. They will be Games of a high level considering that 40 per cent of the athletes have taken part in the Beijing Olympics.

Addadi does not expect any world records to be established. "Normally we expect Games records and national records to be broken on such occasions," he added.

Finally Addadi said the Games will serve as another occasion where athletes can improve on their abilities.