Special Olympics Monaco Hosts Major European Swimming Competition After a Decade
Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene officially opened the European swimming event known as The Princess Charlene Special Olympics on Saturday, October 26th, and Sunday, October 27th. The meet was held at the Stade Nautique Rainier III in Monaco and organized by Special Olympics Monaco.
It had been ten years since Special Olympics Monaco last organized an event of this magnitude, but the wait was worth it. The Princess Charlene Special Olympics European Swimming Meet featured more than 20 countries from across Europe. Nations including France, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Slovenia, and Liechtenstein, Gibraltar, and Malta,
Pierre Van Klaveren, President of Special Olympics Monaco, shared his excitement with Monaco Info: “We have more than 20 countries from all over Europe, and the aim is for everyone to give it their all. The key to success is to have athletes with a smile on their face.” He highlighted the strong support from Monaco’s community, emphasizing, “We had a lot of enthusiasm and many people in the stands.”
Her Serene Highness Princess Charlène, who has been the Honorary President of Special Olympics Monaco since 2012, attended the opening ceremony of the event, which bears her name. She celebrated alongside the athletes, who embody the spirit of joy and inclusion that defines the Special Olympics movement.
Founded in 1968 in the United States, the Special Olympics expanded to Europe in 1980, with Monaco being one of the early adopters. Under the leadership of Mireille Calmes, Monaco joined alongside countries like Belgium and Ireland to promote sports opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The competition hosted over 200 athletes. Spectators enjoyed two full days of thrilling swimming events, with free public access from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
