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The M.O.C. from 1997 to 2008

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1997 - 2001

 

 

 

On 8th January 1997, the Principality of Monaco celebrated 700 years of the Grimaldi dynasty.Various ceremonies and festivities took place and as part of the celebrations, the M.O.C. organised Olympic Day on 26th May during which the 6 major dates in the history of the M.O.C. were recounted by 60 secondary school students on the terraces of the Casino. :

  • 1907 : its creation,
  • 1920 : first participation in the Olympic Games (Anvers Olympics),
  • 1921 : first Women's Olympics,
  • 1955 : creation of the Olympic anthem,
  • 1968 : the Olympic torch crosses through the Principality,
  • 1993 : 101st Session of the M.O.C. in Monaco.

 

On 31st March 1998, the M.O.C. accepted the membership of 3 new sports federations: equitation, triathlon and taekwondo, bringing the total number of members to 15.

 

Under the supervision of Lucien Orengo, their head of mission, 4 young Monegasque athletes aged between 13 and 17, Diane Dupont (synchronised swimming), Florent Battistel (athletics), Pierre Gambarini and Yann Bertrand (tennis) left for Moscow to take part in the World Youth Olympic Games from 11th to 19th July. The event, grouping together 6 500 boys and girls from 139 countries, reached a very high level of sportsmanship.

 

 

Opening ceremony

 

 

1999, marked by the celebration of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III’s jubilee, whose work accomplished since his accession to the throne on 9th May 1949 remained exemplary, also represented an opportunity for the expression of Monegasque sport, notably by the Principality taking part in the Games of the Small States of Europe in Liechtenstein.

 

 

 

On 18th January 2000, at a reception hosted for the athletes of the 96 Summer Olympics and the 98 Winter Olympics, H.S.H. the Hereditary Prince Albert, Vice-President of the I.O.C. Athletes’ Commission and recently appointed to represent them within the Admissions and Marketing Commissions, expressed his wish “let there be peace and weapons be silent”, pointing out that “this was also an Olympic year”, hoping once again that “the values that have made Olympism be respected”.
  Athletes from the Atlanta and Nagano Olympic Games are presented with pins

 

After presenting each athlete with an I.O.C. pin, the President of the M.O.C. paid particular tribute to the Vice-President, Mr Henry Rey, by awarding him the I.O.C. Trophy for “Sports Ethics”.

 

 

 

2001, declared by the UN as “International Year of Volunteers” was to be a particularly active year for the M.O.C.For the first time, a Monegasque skier was to take part in the V Winter European Youth Olympic Festival, which took place in Finland from 10th to 16th March. The young Audrey Rinaldi, competing in the slalom with 72 candidates, succeeded in achieving the 31st position.

 

On 22nd June, during a reception hosted in the Méridien Beach Plaza Hotel for Olympic Day, H.S.H. the Hereditary Prince Albert announced the establishment of the Status of High Level Sports Athlete together with a Convention setting out the general framework of possible relationships between the Monaco Government, an athlete, the federation to which the latter belonged, an employer and the M.O.C.

 

This convention would make it possible for the most outstanding athletes to benefit from the best training conditions so that they would be able to justly represent the Principality of Monaco in international competitions, in particular pre-Olympic and Olympic events.The first athletes to benefit from this new status were Fabienne Pasetti (Monegasque Shooting Federation), Jean-François Calmes (Bobsleigh Federation), Sylvain Faure (Swimming Federation), Thierry Vatrican (Judo Federation), Sébastien Gattuso (Athletics Federation), Charles Oula and Patrice Servelle (Bobsleigh Federation).

 

At the end of 2001, the Principality of Monaco played host to the Association of European National Olympic Committees (AENOC) for its 30th General Assembly.

 

As Dr Jacques Rogge, the appointed President since 1989, who had been elected 4 months previously as President of the I.O.C., had to relinquish his European mandate, the 350 delegates who represented the entire 48 committees, set up their new Executive Committee :

 

  • President (elected with 47 votes out of 48):the Italian Mario Pescante, 63,
  • Vice-President (34 votes):the Russian Alexandre Kozlovsky, 57,
  • Secretary General (25 votes):The Irishman Patrick Hickey,
  • Members: 15 elected members.

 

The Year of “Volunteers” drew to its close on 5th December with a special day during which several hundred volunteers from various Monegasque associations paraded through the streets of Monaco, before gathering together in the Fontvieille Big Top for an enjoyable evening with the H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Albert.

 

H.S.H. the Hereditary Prince Albert pictured with the volunteers


 

On 8th February 2002, the XIX Winter Olympic Games in which 5 Monegasque athletes were to take part opened in Salt Lake City.

 

Following the events that severely shook the world of cycling in the summer of 1998, the I.O.C. decided to implement fierce anti-doping measures.Consequently, in 1999 the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was set up in Lausanne.aaa

 

Based in Montreal (Canada) since 2002, WADA organised a conference in Copenhagen from 3rd to 4th March 2003 bringing together representatives from various governments, the Council of Europe, international sports federations, the I.O.C. and National Olympic Committees, including that of the Principality of Monaco in the person of :

  • H.S.H. the Hereditary Prince Albert,
  • Mr Philippe Deslandes, Government Counsellor for the Interior,
  • Ms Yvette Lambin-Berti, Secretary General of the M.O.C.,
  • Dr Jack Michel, Head of the Monaco Medico-Sports Centre,
  • Ms Sylvie Bertrand, Head of the Division in charge of Sports at the D.E.N.J.S.

 

To support action undertaken by WADA, an international anti-doping “code” would be adopted in a “declaration" known as the “Copenhagen Declaration” which would be signed by the Principality of Monaco alongside the 190 other nations from every continent.Various legislative texts and measures were implemented in Monaco, including among others :

 

  • the establishment of a Monegasque Anti-doping Committee,
  • the accreditation and training of doctors and the organisation of controls,
  • the definition of prohibited substances and those permitted for therapeutic purposes.

 

Two Commissions were set up:

  • One under the aegis of the M.O.C.:the Athletes’ Commission.Only athletes never having been sanctioned for doping and having taken part in no more than three Olympiads in a row since their last selection can belong to this commission.Among the 14 athletes concerned, David Tomatis and Pascal Camia were elected on 8th May to sit on the M.O.C. and represent them ;
  • The other within the M.O.C. itself. : The Medical Commission.It would be made up of Dr Jack Michel (liaison doctor with the I.O.C.) and Dr Philippe Pasquier (President of the Monte Carlo Ski Club).

 

In autumn 2003, the International Committee of Mediterranean Games (I.C.M.G.) met in Almeria, Spain for its annual General Meeting, in which H.S.H. the Hereditary Prince Albert, Ms Yvette Lambin-Berti and Mr Denis Ravera took part. During the meeting, the elections took place of Mr Amar Addadi (Algeria) for the office of President (to replace Mr Claude Collard, the founder of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) (resigning) and Messrs Henri Serandour (President of the CNOSF) and Togay Bayati (President of the International Sports Press Association) as members of the Executive Committee.

 

During 2004, international attention was focused on the Balkan Peninsula on several occasions.

 

From 24th to 26th February, the 14th Assembly of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) was held in the Greek capital.Many important issues were discussed including action to be implemented to combat doping in sport on a global scale.

 

On the following 30th March, H.S.H. the Hereditary Prince Albert took part in the 6th Olympic torch relay day.Leaving the Temple of Aphaea on the island of Aegina in the Saronic Gulf, 20 kilometres to the south east of Piraeus, the first relay brought the torch to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.It remained there until 3rd June, when 11 relay runners carried it across the 5 continents (for the 1st time in Africa and Latin America) in celebration of the universal nature of Olympism, to reach its final destination in Athens, the venue for the next Summer Olympic Games.

 

In 2005, a delegation in mourning following the death of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III took part firstly in the XI Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra from 30th May to 4th June, and secondly in the XV Mediterranean Games in Almeria from 20th June to 3rd July.

 

Two European Youth Olympic Festivals (EYOF) were held, the 7th in Monthey in the Valais in Switzerland from 22nd to 29th January, and the 8th in Lignano in Italy from 3rd to 8th July.

 


On 12th July 2005, the Principality lived a historical day, the accession to the throne of H.S.H. Prince Albert II.

 

 

In 2006, the Monegasque Olympic Committee’s activities were marked mainly by the participation of a delegation to the 20th Winter Olympic Games in Turin.These Games gave the M.O.C. the opportunity to create a “House of Monaco” in Pragelato, the cross-country skiing venue.Various members of the I.O.C. and key figures from the sport movement were able to meet Monegasque sports leaders.

 

On 29th July, an ECO Extraordinary General Assembly was held in Rome to elect a new president following the resignation of MrMario Pescante.Mr Patrick Hickey was elected unanimously, Mr Raffaele Pagnozzi being nominated Secretary General and Mr Mario Pescante, EOC Honorary President.

 

On 24th October, new agreements for high-level athletes were signed which enabled Monegasque athletes to train with a view to preparing for the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing 2008 and the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver 2010. That year three new athletes benefitted from this Agreement:Alexandra Coletti (skiing), Romain Marchessou (weight lifting) and Jérémy Bottin (bobsleigh) whilst Fabienne Pasetti (Air rifle shooting), Charles Oula (bobsleigh) and Patrice Servelle (bobsleigh) had their agreements renewed.

 

 

H.E. Mr Jean-Paul Proust (centre) Minister of State of the Principality of Monaco, with personalities and high-level athletes after signing the agreements.aaa

 

From 9th to 12th November, the Executive Committee of the World Olympians Association (WOA) met in Monaco.From 8th to 9th December, the 35th European Olympic Committees’ General Assembly took place in Brussels.During the meeting, Mr Kikis Lazarides, President of the Cypriot National Olympic Committee was elected Treasurer.

 

Within the framework of the preparations for the Games of the Small States of Europe, various meetings were held in Monaco:preparing the Technical Commission’s meeting, updating the articles of association and regulations of the GSSE amended during the Extraordinary General Assembly in Dublin in December 2005, getting acquainted with the technical file, visiting the various venues used for the event, visiting the ship ”MSC Melody”, presentation by Cyprus of the next edition in 2009.

 

2007 : for the Monegasque Olympic Committee, created in 1907, this was a "historical" year - its centenary! It would be intensely involved in the activities of this special year with the high point between the 4th and 9th June with the hosting of the XII Games of the Small States of Europe, once again entrusted to the Principality of Monaco in recognition of its experience, its ability to guarantee the success of a major international event as well as its unequalled hospitality facilities.

 

The XII Games of the Small States of Europe

 

The latter were appreciated as such by the eight delegations as soon as they arrived, who were all to be accommodated aboard a superb cruise liner chartered exclusively for the event and which, in addition to the prestige and originality, enabled the implementation of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s directives to cut greenhouse gas emissions, thus making the games an "eco-efficient" event.

 

As a preview to the 12th Games of the Small States of Europe, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco invited all the heads of State and governments present, faced with the challenge of environmental protection, to meet together to mark the solidarity and determination of the (in the absence of Malta) seven States represented.To mark their commitment to such a cause, a joint declaration was adopted, aimed at :

 

  1. recognising the great potential of sport as a vehicle for values contributing towards the implementation of true ethics for sustainable development ;
  2. recognising the need for sports in harmony with the environment ;
  3. organising eco-friendly Games of the Small States of Europe, in particular “carbon neutral”, with the view to reducing as much as possible their environmental impact.The organising country would undertake to offset greenhouse gas emission and any other negative impact connected with the Games and their preparation, by introducing initiatives that it considers most appropriate for the protection of the environment ;
  4. developing, on a more general level, environmental awareness in their respective countries based on a spirit of solidarity and resulting in more eco-friendly behaviour.

 

(from left to right in the first row):H.E. MrAlessandro Manvini (Captain-Regent of San Marino), H.R.H. Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, H.E.MrOlafur Ragnar Grimsson (President of Iceland), H.E. Mr Alessandro Rossi (Captain-Regent of San Marino),

 

(in the 2ndrow) H.E. MrKornelius Korneliu (Ambassador of Cyprus in Vienna), Albert Pintat (Head of government of the Principality of Andorra), Klaus Tschütscher (Vice-head of government of the Principality of Liechtenstein).

 


In addition, the ministers of sport from the eight countries concerned regularly met up to discuss the latest developments on anti-doping measures considered "a priority both for ethical reasons and for public health" (Paul Masseron, Monaco’s Government Counsellor for the Interior), on legislative developments in this respect and exemptions that may be applied for therapeutic reasons.Ninety tests would be randomly carried out during the Games.

 

 

From left to right:Liney Halldorsttir (Secretary of State Youth and Sport, Isl), Gudmundur Arnason (Secretary of State, Isl), Victor Filloy (And), Louis Galea (Minister of Sports, Mlt), Dr. Jacques Pruvost (Mon), Rosa Bastida (Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, And), Dr .Jack Michel (Mon), Paul Masseron (Minister of Sport, Mon), Katrin Gunnarsdottir (Minister of Sport, Isl), Anik Sax (Minister of Sport, Lux), Andreoli Paride (Minister of Sport, SM), Johan Pingitzer (Minister of Sport, Lie), Sylvie Bertrand (Mon), Alessandra Renzi (SM).

 

 

To find out all you need to know about the XII Games of the Small States of Europe:www.monaco2007.mc

 

 

From 6th to 13th August a seminar was held for the Heads of Mission for the Beijing Olympic Games.This was an opportunity for the Secretary General and the Head of Mission, Ms Sylvie Bertrand, to meet the representatives of the Organising Committee and to collect together additional information concerning the delegation’s participation in China.

 

On 19th September, H.E. the Minister of State, in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, entertained the Monegasque Delegation for the 12th Games of the Small States of Europe Monaco 2007 in the Government Building during a convivial reception which was greatly appreciated by both leaders and athletes alike.

 

At the General Assembly on 8th October 2007, H.S.H. Prince Albert II recalled the memory of Messrs Robert Projetti and Denis Ravera “whose deaths caused us intense emotion and deep sorrow”before the M.O.C. members.

 

H.S.H. Prince Albert II paid tribute to the actions that both men undertook within the Monegasque Olympic Committee:

 

  • Mr Robert Projetti, Secretary General of the Prince’s Cabinet and Secretary General of the Monegasque Gymnastics Federation since it was first established in 1999, accompanied H.S.H. the Hereditary Prince Albert at his taking of oath in Lausanne when he joined the I.O.C. en 1986, was entrusted with examining all dossiers relating to sport and Olympism.In this capacity, he attended many I.O.C. sessions.
  • Mr Denis Ravera, who held positions of high responsibility within the public services, had been the Secretary General - Treasurer of the Monegasque Swimming Federation since 1976.He represented the Principality at various international assemblies: European Olympic Committees and World Olympic Committees. He made it possible for Boules Sports to develop both in Monaco and internationally by joining the World Boules Sports Confederation in 1991 of which he would later become the Secretary General.Denis Ravera also accompanied many delegations from Monaco to Winter and Summer Olympic Games as well as the Mediterranean Games and the Games of the Small States of Europe.

 

 

M.O.C. General Assembly 2007

 

 

From 15th to 18th October the 18th Sportel event took place during which the Prix du Livre Sportif Illustré (Illustrated Sports Book Award) traditionally takes place.The tenth edition featured some extremely interesting books.The final selection included :

 

  • for the International Olympic Committee award:“Les Déesses du Sport” – by Alain Billouin, Henri Charpentier and Serge Laget – de la Martinière publications
  • for the French National Olympic and Sports Committee award “Les Plus Grands Duels du Sport” various authors – Tana publications,
  • for the Monegasque Olympic Committee award “Les Trésors Officiels:Le Tour de France” by Serge Laget and Luke Edwardes-Evans – Gründ publications.

 

On 27th October, the Annual General Meeting of the International Mediterranean Games Committee in Pescara amended the IMGC articles of association, including the admission of female representatives within the Executive Committee and the introduction of IMGC rules of procedure. It also voted for the town of Volos in Greece for the 2013 edition and last but not least admitted the Montenegro NOC. As the organisational work for the Games did not appear to have advanced sufficiently, the IMGC ordered the Organising Committee in Pescara to take the necessary measures to improve the situation. The next meeting will be held there on 21st and 22nd June.

 

On 10th November, the Games of the Small States of Europe’s Technical Commission held a meeting once again in Monaco.This resulted in an update to the articles of association and the technical regulations of the Game. A presentation of the 13th edition of the Games, which is to take place in Cyprus in 2009, was also given.

 

The Monegasque Olympic Committee also took part in the 3rd World Conference on Doping in Sport, which was held in Madrid from 15th to 17th November.The first day was focused on showcasing action implemented by the World Anti-Doping Agency in various areas, such as education, research, the accreditation of laboratories… The second day was devoted to revising the World Anti-Doping Code, the new version of which will come into force on 1st January 2009. Following the working sessions, the “Madrid Declaration” was adopted.Last but not least, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Executive Committee elected its new President.Mr John Fahey has now taken over from Mr Dick Pound.

 

During the 36th European Olympic Committee’s General Assembly, which was held in Valencia from 30th November to 1st December, a PowerPoint presentation was made giving an overview of the 12th Games of the Small States of Europe Monaco 2007. The Monegasque Olympic Committee was congratulated by the Assembly for the high quality of its organisation.

 

During the meeting, various information was gathered, including on the future Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012, as well as the European Youth Olympic Festivals in 2009, in Slask Beskidy (Poland) in the winter and in Tampere (Finland) in the summer.

 

Istanbul was chosen as the venue to host the 2008 General Assembly.

 

Sports grants were presented to the following athletes by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince :

 

  • Sébastien Gattuso:Athletics
  • Mathias Raymond:Rowing
  • Sophie Giordano:Equestrian sports
  • Maud Raimbert:Equestrian sports
  • Wescelas Thomel:Equestrian sports
  • Kevin Crovetto:Gymnastics
  • Romain Marchessou:Weightlifting
  • Yann Siccardi:Judo
  • Cédric Bessi: Judo
  • Alexandra Coletti:Skiing
  • Olivier Jenot: Skiing
  • Antoine de Massy:Tennis
  • Fabienne Pasetti:Shooting
  • Anouk Doria: Taekwondo




 

2008



The activities of the Monegasque Olympic Committee were marked mainly by the participation of a delegation in the 29th Summer Olympic Games in Beijing 2008.

 

The 16th General Assembly of the ANOC was held in Beijing from 5th to 8th April during which many issues were broached including anti-doping, the role of NOCs in the 21st century, Olympic Solidarity and the International Council of Arbitration in Sport...

 

The Organising Committees of the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics, the 2014 Games in Sochi and the 1st Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010 also presented their reports during the working sessions.

 

This also provided an opportunity for the representatives of the Monegasque Olympic Committee to meet the heads of the Organising Committee and get the latest information concerning the delegation’s stay in China.

 

From 22nd to 24th May, the 29th Seminar of the European Olympic Committees was held in Sorrento (Italy). Four topics featured on the agenda:

  • the Olympic Games,
  • Olympic Marketing,
  • the World Anti-doping Agency and anti-doping programmes,
  • the European Youth Olympic Festival.

Certain aspects were highlighted following dynamic and constructive discussions. The meetings with the Organising Committee of the Beijing Olympic Games 2008 enabled the Head of MIssion to attend the DRM (Delegation Registration Meeting) and confirm Monaco’s participation.


As for the Mediterranean Games, the Heads of Mission seminar which was held from 25th to 27th June provided an opportunity for the representatives of the Monegasque Olympic Committee to meet the heads of the Organising Committee, to gather all the information necessary for the delegation’s trip in June 2009 and to visit the sports venues.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for – the departure for Beijing where the 29th Summer Olympic Games took place from 8th to 24th August. Five athletes represented the Principality of Monaco: Ms Fabienne Pasetti (shooting), Messrs Sébastien Gattuso (athletics), Mathias Raymond (rowing), Yann Siccardi (judo) and Romain Marcessou (weight lifting).

 

 

Last but not least, two young Monegasques took part in the Youth Camp which was held from 6th to 17th August. The camp’s slogan was “youth create the future” focused on the following topics: “harmony, tolerance, experience and creativity”. Miss Angélique Trinquier (swimming) and Mr Benjamin Boisson (fencing) were therefore given the chance of taking part in the Olympic events, visiting the Olympic village and attending a cultural programme.

 

As every year in October the 19th Sportel event took place during which the Prix du Livre Sportif Illustré (Illustrated Sports Book Award) traditionally takes place. The eleventh edition featured some extremely interesting books.

 

The final selection included:

  • for the International Olympic Committee award: « La Bicyclette : Mythes et Techniques, Passion et Design » – by Francesco Baroni – White Star Editions,
  • for the French National Olympic and Sports Committee award “The Olympic Games” by Andrew Longmore and Neil Morton – Dakini Books Ltd,
  • for the Monegasque Olympic Committee award “Ombres et Lumières, le Sport en Chine” by Gilles Bertrand – VO2 Diffusion.

 

The Olympic Committee of Cyprus, under the aegis of the European Olympic Committees, organised a Technical Seminar on 30th October and 1st November in Larnaca, the main theme of which was “from talent to medals - the technical sports programme for London 2012 and beyond". The symposium gave the representative of the Monegasque Olympic Committee the opportunity to follow a presentation made by Lord Sebastian Coe, President of the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games in London 2012. A problem concerning the younger generations emerged, showing the need to find different methods to encourage youth to become more involved in the Olympic movement.

 

From 6th to 9th November, the Seminar of the Heads of Mission for the 9th Winter European Youth Olympic Festival was held in Slask Beskidy 2009. Mr Philippe Orecchia was appointed by the Monegasque Olympic Committee as Head of Mission and attended the meeting where he took part in various preparatory meetings for the event: programme, dates and locations, accommodation, accreditation… One athlete only would be taking part in the event - Arnaud ALESSANDRIA in Alpine skiing.


The 37th European Olympic Committees’ General Assembly took place in Istanbul from 20th to 22nd November. During the two days of meetings, various information was gathered together, including that on the future Olympic Games in Vancouver 2010 and London 2012, as well as the 2009 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival in Slask Beskidy (Poland) and the Summer edition in Tampere (Finland). The Beijing Games 2008 Organising Committee presented its final report and the cities competing for the 2016 Olympic Games also put forward their candidatures.

 

Following this, Brasov (Roumania) was elected for the Winter edition and Utrecht (Netherlands) for the Summer edition to host the European Youth Olympic Festivals in 2013.

 

Finally, Lisbon was chosen as the venue to host the 2009 General Assembly.

 

Sports grants were presented to the following athletes by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince:

 

  • Sébastien GATTUSO : Athletics
  • Mathias RAYMOND : Rowing
  • Diane DUPONT : Equestrian sports
  • Maud RAIMBERT : Equestrian sports
  • Wescelas THOMEL : Equestrian sports
  • Kévin CROVETTO : Gymnastics
  • Romain MARCHESSOU : Weightlifting
  • Yann SICCARDI: Judo
  • Alexandra COLETTI : Skiing
  • Olivier JENOT : Skiing
  • Arnaud ALESSANDRIA : Skiing
  • Fabienne PASETTI : Shooting
  • Hervé BANTI : Triathlon

 


During the European Olympic Committee’s General Assembly in Istanbul, Ms Yvette Lambin-Berti was awarded the “2008 EOC Olympic Laurels” by the EOC Vice-President, Mr Alexander KAZLOVSKY.

 





 

 

This award is presented to individuals who have actively contributed to promoting and developing with great merit sport in their country and who have played a decisive role in increasing and developing sport at every level.

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