Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene emphasised the importance of protecting and supporting young athletes during a speech at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum on Wednesday, November 4. Her address formed part of the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport…
Speaking after His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, the Princess, a former Olympic swimmer and Vice-President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, highlighted sport’s ability to unite communities, inspire young people and promote personal development.
“Sport carries within it an imperative of excellence, but also a responsibility: that of bringing people together, inspiring them, and passing on that knowledge,” she told delegates.
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The conference brought together 25 ministers and secretaries of state, with approximately 300 participants discussing the theme ‘Safer and Healthier Sport for All Children’.
Particular attention was given to preventing violence and abuse, strengthening safeguarding procedures and ensuring that sporting environments support children’s physical and mental wellbeing. An accompanying photographic exhibition, celebrating the diversity of sport in Monaco, remains on display outside the Grimaldi Forum until November 10.
During the event HSH Prince Albert II also highlighted the importance of teamwork, solidarity and respect, describing sport as an educational force capable of overcoming divisions.
Monaco’s commitment to sport is reflected in its approximately 14,000 registered athletes and 100 sporting associations. This strong sporting tradition is also reflected in the personal achievements of the Princely Family.
Few royal couples are better placed to champion the values of sport than Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, both accomplished Olympians. The Prince represented Monaco in bobsleigh at five consecutive Winter Olympic Games between 1988 and 2002, whilst Princess Charlene competed for South Africa in swimming at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, finishing fifth in the women’s 4 × 100 metre medley relay. Their experiences at the highest level of international competition lend particular weight to their shared commitment to making sport a positive, safe and rewarding experience for future generations.
Sources: Monaco Info; International Olympic Committee; Prince’s Palace.
