Riccione, Italy 26.09.2022. The historic inaugural meeting that formed the Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation (MLC), took place during the Rescue World Cup and the Lifesaving World Championships.
The representatives of national lifesaving organisations present in Riccione were invited to approve the constitution, share ideas, and develop a common vision for enhancing lifesaving sport within the countries surrounding the Mediterranean basin.
The objectives of the MLC are to promote lifesaving sport in the Mediterranean Games and to include Lifesaving Sport in the Mediterranean Games and Mediterranean Beach Games. The MLC is allowed to undertake all actions, engage in all activities and execute all legal instruments, which are useful, necessary or which directly or indirectly contribute to the achievement of its objectives.
The inauguration took place at the Rescue World Cup and the Lifesaving World Championships 2022. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Harald Vervaecke (ILS Secretary General) and Giorgio Quintavalle (MLC President).
The inaugural MLC Board of Directors is composed of the following people:
- President: Dott Giorgio Quintavalle (Italy)
- Vice President Europe: Isabella Garcia (Spain)
- Vice President Africa: Abdelkader Chekroun (Algeria)
- Vice President Asia: Ali El Mokdad (Lebanon)
- Secretary General: Dr. Mohamed Ali Gharbal PhD (Morocco)
- Director: Sameh El-Shazly (Egypt)
- Director: Dr. Stathis Avramidis PhD (Greece)
- Director: Alexander Tadeia (Portugal)
- Director: TBD
The national representatives had the opportunity to network about the work of their organisations and shared ideas about their common future. For many ILS representatives, this new confederation is a dream that comes true. There has long been a need to form an international umbrella organisation that would unite the national federations of the Mediterranean Sea. This prospective opens the door for new opportunities, collaborations and innovations in lifesaving sport.