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The International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) organised in Split, Croatia, a tribute to Mr Boris Ljubičić, the iconic designer of Mediterranean Games emblem. The power of this emblem is also in the words of Mr Ljubičić: “I have never made any emblem or graphic just for one occasion, I was always producing for the eternity.”
This emblem - three white circles symbolising the unity of Mediterranean countries across three continents - set against a deep blue background representing the sea, was designed by Mr Ljubičić for the VIII Mediterranean Games, held in Split in 1979. This powerfull symbol was later adopted as the permanent emblem of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, becoming the visual foundation of all subsequent editions. Unfortunatelly until the Split gathering, ICMG and Mr Ljubičić did not have official agreement about using this emblem. After this tribute, the situation is settled and the emblem of Boris Ljubičić will be used together with the motto: sea unites us all.
During the special occasion in Villa Dalmatia in Split, a very exclusive place in Split’s history and present days, Mr Boris Ljubičić was presented with The Order of Merit by ICMG president, Mr Davide Tizzano, who said: “I am so proud to be here in Split, such a sportive town, and I am very proud to show you that we are the Mediterranean Family! This emblem shows to the future generations that we are a united family. This emblem is necessary for our youngsters to learn from the past. It is sending the eternal message of unity.”
After the short presentation of his design concept, including the history of making not only the emblem, but also the colours, posters, flags etc., Mr Boris Ljubičić thanked everyone and received the highest Trophy given by ICMG, the Order of Merit, from Mr Tizzano accompanied by Mr Iakovos Filippousis, Secretary general of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games. Ljubičić also got the Framed Diploma from ICMG First Vice President, Mr Mehrez Boussayene.
As a great finish, the Croatian Olympic Committee President, Mr Zlatko Mateša also awarded Mr Ljubičić with a set of original medals from the Mediterranean Games held in Split in 1979. He said: “The Mediterranean Games in 1979 definitely changed this city for the better.”
The idea of a multi-sport event specifically for Mediterranean countries was first proposed in the post World War II era and pushed strongly by an Egyptian sports official Mohamed Taher Pasha, then a member of the International Olympic Committee. So in 1951, the inaugural edition of the Mediterranean Games was held in Alexandria, Egypt. Following the success of the first Games, the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games was formally established.
In 2025, ICMG decided to pay a tribute to Mr Ljubičić and his emblem. Mr Boris Ljubičić was born on November 8, 1945, in Sinj, not far away from Split, in Croatia. He is a distinguished Croatian graphic designer and painter, renowned for his significant contributions to visual communications.
During Split’s event a lot of representatives of ICMG, Croatian sports, Croatian Olympic Committee, but also politics were present, including the Mayor of Split, Mr Tomislav Šuta and Parliament member, Mr Andro Krstulović Opara.
Jura Ozmec - AIPS Secretary General and Treasurer Photo by Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff
