The European Swimming Meeting Princess Charlene will bring together some of Europe’s finest Special Olympics athletes in Monaco for an exciting event later this month. Supported by Princess Charlene and Special Olympics Monaco, this competition is set to take place on the 26th and 27th of October 2024 at the Centre Nautique Albert II.
Over the course of the weekend, more than 200 athletes from various European nations—including Germany, Cyprus, Ireland, Gibraltar, and Slovenia—will participate in the event, highlighting the importance of sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities. With free entry for the public, spectators are invited to witness these athletes showcase their remarkable talents in a series of competitive swimming events, running from 9am to 5pm.
This year’s competition marks the second large-scale event hosted by Special Olympics Monaco, following their involvement in the Berlin World Games in 2023. Special Olympics Monaco has been a pioneering force in the movement, ever since Monaco became one of the first European countries to join the organisation in 1980, shortly after the Special Olympics were founded in the United States in 1968.
Led by Mireille Calmes and later Pierre Van Klaveren, the organisation has been dedicated to empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities, helping them reach new heights through sports. These efforts not only foster inclusivity and personal growth but also help the athletes represent Monaco on the world stage.