Within AS Monaco’s epic 100th anniversary, royally celebrated

AS Monaco celebrated its centenary with a major sports festival in Port Hercule, an event that showcased the club’s diverse athletic abilities and brought the community together. Prince Albert II attended the festivities, spoke to athletes and took part in the activities, reflecting his deep connection with the club’s legacy.

The celebration on June 22nd was marked by the 23 sports sections of AS Monaco, who filled the Albert I quay with energy and enthusiasm from 11:00 to 18:00. Football, basketball, weightlifting, table tennis and more, you name it… It was a sporting event for everyone. The 23 sports sections of AS Monaco Omnisports filled Port Hercule with life as they celebrated this 100th anniversary. The festival, designed as a village with stands and fields, extended to the Rainier III water sports stadium, with everyone enthusiastically participating in the sports demonstrations and initiations.

Prince Albert II also emphasized the importance of the club in a Monaco Info broadcast:

“For me, AS Monaco is about diversity and excellence. From football to swimming, bobsleigh, aikido, e-sports, table tennis… and there may be two more this year to celebrate the centenary. The association promotes the values ​​that we cherish, the values ​​of universal sport, which are close to the Olympic values: solidarity, friendship, fair play, respect for the rules…

We cannot forget the extraordinary success of our football team, but of course there are other great results, from Téo Andant and Lisa Pou and many more. I am also touched by the great results of our young water polo players and our girls’ volleyball team.

I think there is a tremendous momentum that we need to harness to keep our colors flying high. It is with great hope that we celebrate this centennial of ASM and look forward to the next hundred years.”

ASM’s journey from its founding in 1924 to today has seen the club grow from three sections to 23, with more than 4,600 members. The event honored this growth with a crossroads tournament featuring volleyball, handball, laser shooting, basketball and track and field, which fostered camaraderie among members.

Young athletes at the heart of the festivities

Young athletes were at the heart of the celebrations, with the “graine de champion” initiative for 8-16 year olds. A favourite was a special stand where children could take photos in their ASM uniforms, which will be published in a commemorative book in November.

To complement the centenary memorabilia, a special stamp has been issued by the Office des Emissions de Timbres-Poste. With a face value of four euros, the stamp, printed in 35,000 blocks, shows the club’s sections and the centenary logo, reflecting the spirit of the event.

The day ended with a concert by Bigflo et Oli, part of the fête de la musique, intended to attract almost 7,000 people.

In the words of Roland Bianchieri as vice president of the multi-sport club: “ASM is one big family and we have celebrated these 100 years with that spirit in mind, honoring our rich history in the best way possible.”

AS Monaco’s centenary celebrations continue in November with the traditional awards ceremony, a key event in the club’s annual calendar as the club looks forward to the next hundred years.