Syria to take part in 2013 Mediterranean Games in Mersin

Despite all the odds stacked against the team, Syria will be represented at the 2013 Mediterranean Games in southern Turkey's city of Mersin later this month. The event's press official confirmed in remarks to Today's Zaman on Wednesday that the conflict-stricken nation will be among the participants at Mersin 2013. Turkish media reported on Tuesday, quoting Syrian Olympic Committee head Mohamed Ali Mahjoub, that Syria will compete in eight events -- equestrian, boxing, karate, wrestling, weightlifting, athletics, artistic gymnastics and cycling. The Mediterranean Games will take place in Mersin from June 20-30. The city was awarded the hosting rights of the event in 2011 after Greece failed to fulfill its organizational commitments to host the games. The competition will be held in 54 facilities, including 11 built especially for the games. Athletes from 24 countries will participate in the sporting events. The Mediterranean Games is an international event held with the participation of countries neighboring the Mediterranean Sea and governed by the International Committee of Mediterranean Games (ICMG). Turkey is playing host nation for the second time in the competition's history, the first time was in 1971 when Izmir hosted the seventh edition of the games. The conflict in Syria began in March 2011 and quickly escalated into a civil war, causing many Syrians to flee the violence and escape into neighboring countries. Turkey is currently sheltering close to 300,000 refugees.