Sports events

The Principality has long been promoted as an international crossroads for sport, thanks to prestigious sporting events such as:

• The Formula 1 Grand Prix, created in 1929
• The Monte-Carlo Rally
• The Herculis International Athletics Meeting
• The International Swimming Meeting
• The Monte-Carlo Tennis Open
• Monte-Carlo International Show Jumping
• The Monaco Classic Week
• The UEFA Super Cup
• and events such as SPORTEL

Many sports organisations have their headquarters in Monaco, confirming Monaco's status as an internationally renowned crossroads for sport. These include the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the Association of Tennis Professionals (Europe), l'Union Motonautique Internationale (International Powerboating Union) and l'Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne et Biathlon (International Modern Pentathlon and Biathlon Union).

The Principality's sporting reputation is not due to chance. It is the result of an ambitious policy inspired by its Princes and implemented by the Prince’s Government.

As a result of this impetus, a large programme of work has enabled the Principality to be equipped with the latest sports equipment, designed for both the local population and for holding high-level sporting competitions.

One could cite, for example, the Princess Stéphanie gymnasiums, the Rainier III shooting range and, of course, the Louis II Stadium, a vast complex opened in 1985, with a football pitch, athletics track, Olympic swimming pool, multi-sports hall and many specialised rooms.

In addition to these permanent facilities, a seasonal ice rink opened in 2000. It is open to the public from December to March on the Port of Monaco.

These facilities will be complemented by a new water sports complex, which will include the Monaco Yacht Club and the Société Nautique (Nautical Society), as well as the Saint Antoine Mixed Development Zone, which will include a multi-sports hall, a climbing room, a "Boules" club and a multipurpose room for martial arts.