2009 Mediterranean Games presented to the victims of the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake, occurred in the region of Abruzzo on 6 April 2009; Italian flag was carried by the Italian Special Forces, "who were the first to arrive in L’Aquila". The ceremony featured a special performance by the Italian Air Force. Italian musician and singer-songwriter Eros Ramazzotti sang "L'orizzonte" from his 2009 studio album "Ali e radici". The main attraction of the ceremony was the "Water Ceremony". The "water journey" took place through the villages most stricken by the earthquake and ended at the stadium. The programme for the Pescara Games included 24 sports
Southampton City Centre of land from Southampton Water to the west of the High Street meant further expansion in that direction, forming an area now known as West Quay and dominated by the modern Westquay shopping centre. When it opened, Westquay was the largest city-centre shopping centre in Europe, with around 100 shops. There are several museums in the city centre, especially around the "Old Town" area. The museums include the Tudor House Museum, Medieval Merchant's House and the Maritime Museum. The main shopping district of the city is centred on Above Bar Street (part of which is pedestrianised), London Road, High Street