Oran is due to become the second Algerian host of the Mediterranean Games after Algiers in 1975 ©Getty Images

Oran is ready to take centre stage as its hosting of the Mediterranean Games are on the horizon, making it the second Algerian city to do so after capital Algiers in 1975.

Nicknamed "the radiant city", Oran has a rich and diverse culture thanks to its mix of Ottoman, Spanish, and French influences.

Because of this, the city's leaders and event organisers are confident that the Games will be a triumph.

There are 3,390 athletes from 26 countries due to descend on Oran, with competition due to run from tomorrow through to July 6 with 24 sports on the programme.

A new Athletes' Village has been built which covers 36 hectares and can accommodate nearly 4,300 athletes and team officials.

"It’s equipped with various infrastructure and facilities, namely five sports halls, four restaurants and policlinics and several sports fields for training," said Fouad Aïssi, Oran's director of public facilities.

The 2022 Mediterranean Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies are set to take place in the Stade Olympique d'Oran on June 25 and July 6 respectively ©Getty Images
The 2022 Mediterranean Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies are set to take place in the Stade Olympique d'Oran on June 25 and July 6 respectively ©Getty Images

"All the amenities available offer residents an impeccable place to live."

Of the 19 venues scheduled to host events throughout the Games, the jewel in the crown is the Stade Olympique d'Oran which boasts a hybrid pitch made of a mix of natural grass and synthetic fibres.

The 40,000-seater stadium in the Bir El Djir district was completed in 2019 and is set to host football and athletics competitions as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

"A project of this dimension cannot be satisfied with the existing infrastructures and the specificity of the Games is to leave a heritage to the population and to the national sport movement, through this magnificent complex which constitutes the new Olympic complex of Oran," said Commissioner of the Games and President of the Oran Mediterranean Games Committee Mohamed Aziz Derouaz.

Oran's Government allocated DA5 billion (£27.9 million/$34.2 million/€32.4 million) for the construction of the Olympic complex which also included multi-purpose sports halls, playground and green spaces as organisers aim for the Games to be a lasting positive impact on the city with the facilities intended for public use after it concludes.

The water polo tournament has already begun, prior to tomorrow's Opening Ceremony, and saw Slovenia, Montenegro, Spain, and Italy take respective wins against Portugal, France, Greece, and Turkey.