Sport & Education

Launch of the “South Africa – Monaco Rugby Exchange“ Programme - 19.02.2015

On the evening of 19th February 2015 the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation organised a private cocktail party at the Monte-Carlo Casino in the presence of TT.SS.HH. the Prince and Princess of Monaco in order to celebrate the birth of H.S.H. Crown Prince Jacques and H.S.H. Princess Gabriella.

The Princely Couple was welcomed by Mrs. Agnès Falco, Secretary General of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and Mr. Gareth Wittstock.

Funds received from this event will be donated to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

The Foundation operates programmes worldwide namely “Learn to Swim” and “Water Safety” and its mission is to raise public awareness to the dangers of water, to teach children how to swim as well as preventative measures. During the course of 2014 these programmes reached more than 40,000 children internationally.

Its main objective is to save lives by fighting against drowning.

The “Sport and Education” programme supports the belief that physical education is an important tool that contributes to the well-being of children.

Sport plays a fundamental role in a child’s developmental process. It allows young people to learn about the importance of key values and life skills such as: respect, cooperation, honesty, fair play, interaction, communication, competition, determination and adherence to rules.

One of the main “Sport and Education” projects for 2015 is the «South Africa – Monaco Rugby Exchange». Underprivileged South African children, who were chosen based on their athletic achievements, have been invited to the Saint Devote Rugby Tournament which will take place on Saturday, 11th April thanks to a collaboration with the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA).

The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation will be welcoming this team to the Principality and will in turn be able to send a Monegasque team to South Africa this coming summer. In addition to participating in the rugby tournament, the children from both nations will take part in academic and social activities in order to broaden their understanding of different cultures and lifestyles.

SARLA announced during the cocktail that they were naming Mr. Gareth Wittstock a lifelong Honorary Member for his hard work in organising this exchange.

© Nebinger / Mathon / Palais Princier