Andorra's Liñán and Fortes Lead Parade at Taranto Mediterranean Games

The Mediterranean Games in Taranto got underway on Friday with Andorra's delegation led by flag-bearers Naiara Liñán and Jon Fortes.

During the opening ceremony, the taekwondo athlete and pétanque player carried the Andorran tricolour at the head of their team's parade alongside other nations. Attending from the VIP stand were Xavier Espot Miró, president of the Andorran Olympic Committee (COA), and Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell.

For Fortes, it marked a second honour of this kind. He described the moment as "an honour to be flag-bearer, an experience I lived before and repeated today, but one that is always special". Liñán called it "unforgettable", adding that representing Andorra in such an event carried extra weight.

Bonell praised the nine athletes in the delegation, saying they serve as role models for young Andorrans and embody the country's sporting values. She wished them success in the competition. Espot Miró highlighted the ceremony's emotional symbolism, noting the pride in seeing the team march under the national flag. He declared the Andorran campaign officially launched and urged the athletes to enjoy the experience while chasing victories.

Competition begins for Andorra on Saturday, with Liñán and Fortes first into action. The taekwondo event starts around 10:15am, positioning Liñán as the Principality's earliest medal hopeful. Fortes follows shortly after at 11am in the pétanque precision shooting qualifiers.

The Games, hosted in the Italian city of Taranto this year, mark a key multi-sport gathering for Mediterranean nations. Andorra's athletes will compete across various disciplines over the coming days.