Besides Formula 1, tennis and other international events regarding the world of culture, entertainment and other sports, Monte-Carlo becomes a point of reference also for football. Thanks to its cosmopolitan nature, the Principality is the ideal place for an international initiative such as “The Champions Promenade” and the “Golden Foot” award. H.S.H. Prince Albert II, who has always been a football fan, has, then, decided to dedicate a part of Monaco seafront to “The Champions Promenade”, that he opened in 2003.

 

The Principality of Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, after Vatican City State, with a surface area of 1.95 sq. km and slightly more than 32,000 residents. The Principality owes its actual importance and international prestige to the fifty-five-year reign of Prince Rainier III (1923-2005) that has deeply changed the country enlarging its territory, 40% of which was recovered from the sea. On this territory the areas of Larvotto, Portier and Fontvieille were built. Since 6 April 2005 the new sovereign is his son, Prince Albert II.

 

H.S.H. Prince Albert II is a great sports fan. He competed in the bobsled at the 1988, 1992, 1994, 1998, and 2002 Winter Olympics, and he convinced also the Tour de France organizers to make the 2009 Tour start from the port of Monaco, right where the Formula 1 Grand Prix starts from every year. Prince Albert firmly believes that sports are powerful instruments to awaken public opinion to the environmental and ecological problems in particular, which are among his main concerns: “I am convinced that the sports community represents undoubtedly the first mobilizing force in the world beyond any ethnic, religious and social difference. The contribution it (sport) can give to this cause is potentially immense” said the Prince to an Italian newspaper.

 

More information about the Principality of Monaco on:

http://www.gouv.mc

http://www.visitmonaco.com