A colourful opening ceremony gave way yesterday to the fifth edition of the Friendship Games of the Mediterranean being held in Syracuse Sicily.

The ceremony started with the three participating sides making a march past in the Arkadina Sports Complex in Siciliy. The Maltese contingent was led by Chef de Mission Anthony Debono, with the Maltese flag bearer being Triathlete Danica Spiteri.

Apart from Malta, the teams taking part are Syracuse and a strong Sicilian selection. The march past was followed by speeches from the President of the CONI Sicily region, and by a short welcoming speech from Malta Olympic Committee President Lino Farrugia Sacco. The spectacle continued with several dance displays from various Sicilian dance groups.

The first sporting events started yesterday afternoon just before the opening ceremony with positive results for the Maltese athletes in Bowling in the mixed doubles event and in the Pool competition.

The competition will come to the fore today with practically all Maltese athletes in action.