You are here: Home The Olympic Games Winter Games Beijing 2022

Beijing 2022

Beijing 2022

Article Index

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Monegasque athletes compete at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games

On Tuesday at the Monaco Yacht Club, H.S.H. Prince Albert II, President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, presented the athletes who will be defending the Principality’s colours at the 24th Winter Olympic Games in Beijing (4-20 February).

They are bobsledders Rudy Rinaldi (driver) and Boris Vain (pusher), who will make up the 2-man bobsleigh team, and skier Arnaud Alessandria (downhill, super G and combined). Anthony Rinaldi is substitute for the Bobsleigh. Rudy Rinaldi and Boris Vain took part in the last Winter Olympics in PyeongChang (2018), Arnaud Alessandria in the Sochi edition (2014). Since Sarajevo (1984), this is the 11th time running that Monaco has taken part in the Winter Games.

During the presentation, H.E. Yvette Lambin-Berti, Secretary General of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, pointed out “the key role of the trainers, medical and technical teams - resources Monaco provides the athletes to ensure their success.”  Before offering words of encouragement to the athletes: “Make this event, for which you have been getting ready for years, your event. Let it be full of excitement and emotion thanks to your performance. Adopt a generous and fighting spirit. Remember we share your dreams and will be following them alongside you.”

 

“Green, inclusive, open and clean” Games

 

H.S.H. Prince Albert II took the opportunity to focus on the environmental aspect of these Games “with the rehabilitation of the facilities of five of the six sites of the 2008 Summer Games to host the winter competitions, such as the Water Cube which is now the Ice Cube for the curling events. 

The organisers are keen to host “green, inclusive, open and clean” Games. “Beijing 2022 falls within the framework of the reforms undertaken following the adoption of the Olympic Agenda 2020 – a strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, completed and reinforced by the 15 recommendations of the 2020+5 initiative. These Games are also perfectly in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

The Sovereign Prince welcomed these developments. “In my capacity as IOC member, but more importantly as President of the IOC’s Environment and Heritage Commission, I am delighted to see the efforts undertaken in regard to reforestation, use of renewable and recyclable materials for the construction of facilities, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the innovative and responsible use of energy.”

Arnaud Alessandria (downhill skiing) flag bearer

 

Having taken part in five editions of the Olympic Games as a bobsledder, H.S.H. Prince Albert II explained how “it had been a unique and intense experience. During the competitions, but also in many other areas of life around the Olympic village, unforgettable memories and emotions are created, where honour, responsibility and great moments of fraternity intertwine.”

He spoke to the Monegasque athletes, encouraging them to be worthy representatives of the Monegasque Olympic Committee and the Principality of Monaco. “Our athletes are extremely fortunate and are being given a fantastic opportunity to shine along their journey towards a career in high-level sports. And expressing the hope “that they fully engage in the games with all their energy, that they achieve their goals, and that they have no regrets at the end.”

Recalling the specific backdrop across the globe, the Sovereign Prince pointed out that “beyond the Olympic Truce approved by the United Nations, these Olympic Games mark a pause bringing hope and joy for each one of us. A moment during which we need to show solidarity towards others.”

 

H.S.H. Prince Albert II concluded this presentation with the announcement of the flag bearer. It is the skier, Arnaud Alessandria, who will have the honour of leading the Monegasque delegation at the opening ceremony on Friday 4th February at Beijing National Stadium.

 

 

 

 

Arnaud Alessandria will be the flag bearer for the Monegasque delegation at the opening ceremony. (Photo Gatean Luci / Palais princier)

 

The Sovereign Prince alongside (from left to right) Rudy Rinaldi, Boris Vain, Arnaud Alessandria and H.E. Yvette Lambin-Berti, Secretary General of the Monegasque Olympic Committee. (Photo Gatean Luci / Palais princier)

Stéphan Maggi,

Press Officer for the Monegasque Olympic Committee

 backup

 

partenaires olympiques