December 3 marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and in the Principality, the focus in 2025 was firmly placed on the power of sport as a driver of inclusion, empowerment, and social change…
A series of public events unfolded across Monaco, placing disability awareness at the centre of civic life. The day opened with the inauguration of a striking photographic exhibition on the Larvotto promenade by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II. Titled Beyond the Limits and signed by photographer Romain de Sigalas, the exhibition showcases powerful images from major international para-sport competitions, celebrating athletic excellence beyond physical boundaries.
The Sovereign then visited the Méridien Beach Plaza to review progress under Monaco’s Handipact public policy, launched in 2023 to improve daily life for people living with disabilities. Today, nearly 500 individuals in the Principality hold officially recognised disability status, a reality that continues to shape public policy, urban planning, and accessibility.
Launched three years ago, Handipact has already delivered tangible advances in education, culture, sport and infrastructure. Institutions such as Grimaldi Forum have adapted exhibitions for sensory accessibility, while the 2025 Handipact Trophy recognised outstanding local engagement, including the Monegasque Association for Motor Disabilities.
A key highlight of the day was an exchange with Gaël Rivière, Paralympic champion and president of the French Federation for Disability Sport, who underlined sport’s unrivalled ability to break down prejudice. He described sport as a force that reveals ability before disability and restores confidence through performance and discipline.
As Monaco prepares for its status as World Capital of Sport 2025, Handipact Day served as a powerful reminder that true sporting legacy lies not only in performance, but in inclusion.
Image: Monaco Info
