The competition schedule of the Mediterranean Friendly Games gets underway today when the first batch of events are held in several sporting venues around Malta.

The second edition of the Mediterranean Friendly Games, a two-day sports festival involving Maltese and Sicilian athletes, was inaugurated yesterday during an opening ceremony at the Forum Hall of the Topaz Hotel.

Over one hundred athletes representing 12 different sports, namely badminton, cycling, dancesport, fencing, golf, karate, pool, snooker, table football, triathlon, beach volley and weightlifting, are competing in these Games.

Golfer Andy Borg was Malta's flag-bearer during yesterday's opening ceremony while triathlete Danica Spiteri and karate official Anthony Zammit read the traditional oath on behalf of the Maltese athletes and officials participating in these Games. Members of the Malta Dance Sport Association added a touch of colour and spectacle to the opening ceremony.

Four former Maltese Olympians, archer Joanna Agius, judoka Laurie Pace, shooter Frans Pace and wrestler Jason Trevisan, also played a part in yesterday's ceremony as they carried the Maltese Olympic Committee flag.

The medals will be presented to the successful athletes during the closing ceremony, to be held tomorrow evening at the Topaz Hotel.

Events schedule - day one

Badminton: Cottonera Sports Complex, 3 p.m. - Team event.

Billiards and Snooker: Peace Band Club (Naxxar), 6 p.m.

Beachvolley: Għadira Bay, Mellieħa, 4 p.m. - Doubles event.

Fencing: Mtarfa Gym, 2 p.m. - Foil competition. 3.30 p.m. - Epee.

Golf: Royal Malta Golf Club (Marsa), 2 p.m. Individual Match Play.

Table Football: Topaz Hotel, 4 p.m. - Individual and Team events.