AS Monaco Basketball had a massive Euro Cup 7 win against Lithuania’s Lietkabelis Panevezys on the opponent’s home turf in the last game before Christmas.
The Roca Team got the win they needed to keep Top 16 hopes alive on Friday nightwhen they faced off against Lietkabelis Panevezys at the Cido Arena in Lithuania, winning 88 to 64.
The Lithuanians had already been eliminated from playoff contention, but a loss here for Monaco would have put them out to pasture for the season as well.
The two teams were fairly evenly matched until the third quarter when a fire was lit under the men of the Roca Team. In that quarter alone, they scored 27 points versus their opponents nine. This put them in the catbird seat for the rest of the game, and even though Lithuania came back swinging in the fourth, there was no catching up.
Monaco made 36 shots out of 62 on the night, with four out of 16 three point attempts. They had an amazing 35 rebounds, 16 assists and nine steals on the night.
Abdoulaye Ndoye was team high scorer with 14 points, whilst Marcos Knight, Nikola Rebic, Damien Ingles and Darral Willis all had 11 and Will Yeguete, 10.
“We had an excellent 3rd quarter to make a gap. It was thanks to a good defence that we had easy baskets. It was a good performance, but we can play even better,” Knight said after the match.
“Faced with an already eliminated opponent, the boys produced a serious match,” Coach Zvezdan Mitrovic went on to say, “doing their best after the 18 hour trip the day before (between Krasnodar and Panevezys). We focused on getting the ball inside and finding good positions. We will wait until we are officially 3rd before talking about our Top 16 opponents but we already know that it will be big posters. We will have a few days to prepare for the trip to Boulazac just after Christmas. It’s good to come home with a victory in the suitcases.”
A much-needed win has put AS Monaco and their fans in jolly spirits as the team took a 1 to 0 victory against Dijon on the weekend.
It was a razor-thin win, but a win nonetheless for the Red and Whites of Monaco on Sunday, who got a three-point boost in the Ligue 1 standings, putting them in seventh place and breaking a three-game losing streak.
The only goal of the game came early on as Kevin Volland at the 15-minute mark took the ball straight up the middle, passing to Wissam Ben Yedder, who shot it quickly back to Volland. Volland took advantage, knocking it between the poles, beating out Dijon goalie Anthony Racioppi.
It made the sixth goal for Volland so far this season, and the third with an assist from his team’s captain.
“The important thing was to win,” said Coach Niko Kovac with a rare smile. “I would say that this assist is like half a goal for Wissam. He fulfilled his role of leader, and his performance was very positive. He pulled the team over the top today.”
Kevin Volland saw it much the same way, citing team effort as the tool for success.
“It’s a one touch style which reflects the quality we have on this team and I think it’s an important goal for us today. It symbolizes the relationships that are created between us,” the German striker said modestly.
The win makes for a tight race in the all-important top third of the standings, where Monaco is only one point behind Montpellier and two behind Rennes.
“Before this match we had four wins in a row followed by three defeats,” said Kovac . “The most important thing was to win. I told my players before the match that Dijon was under pressure, and that we had to get a result. It may not have been our best game of the season, but we went for a positive result. We have shown character. I congratulate them for their state of mind. We’ll take the three points.”
The Red and Whites still have one more match before Christmas, where they play St-Étienne at home in Stade Louis II on Wednesday 23rd December at 8pm.
“A very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear.”
(John Lennon)
Despite John Lennon’s best intentions, this Christmas may not be such a good one. It is unlikely to be lived without any fear, many of us are having to come to terms with the fact that we will not be with our extended families, and as 2020 closes, we are still reeling from the collective trauma of Covid-19.
We’ve been locked down, set free and locked down again. Some of us lost loved ones to Covid-19 while others lived in fear that we might. Place your bets on what comes next. It doesn’t feel like we’re off to Lapland. It’s more like living in limbo land.
Perhaps it doesn’t feel very seasonal given so many of us have been forced to undertake a risk-benefit analysis of Christmas. Does the benefit of being together as a family outweigh the risk of killing Granny?
I think we can be forgiven for asking whether this is the season to be jolly or should we just write this one off?
As a psychotherapist to clients in Monaco and around the world, here’s my take on the psychological impact of the pandemic and a handful of seasonal, survival tips. Collective trauma
Studies of past pandemics such as SARS and Ebola confirm psychological reactions such as panic, depression, loneliness, anxiety, stress, grief, anxiety and PTSD as common. In other words, it’s unsurprising if you are not feeling in the Christmas spirit.
Collective traumas can alter the fabric of our societies and nations. That’s how much is at stake currently. When events like wars and natural disasters occur, we may experience an existential identity crisis, individually and/or collectively. We question society. We become hyper-vigilant to the threats arounds us, real and imagined.
What adds to the confusion is that we are all experiencing the pandemic collectively yet our responses are different and we often feel guilty that our response isn’t normal. The psychological impact of Covid-19
We are in the early stages of understanding the psychological impact of Covid-19. One of the most recent studies has identified several common psychological reactions to the pandemic. Those include intense and uncontrolled fear related to infection, pervasive anxiety, frustration, boredom, and disabling loneliness.
As one client said to me recently, “Well when you put it like that, my stress makes sense.” None of us should underestimate the devastating impact of any one of these reactions. Many are experiencing a combination of them all.
I’ve written in Monaco Life previously about pandemic fatigue. We are overwhelmed with fatigue. Whether it’s fatigue from home schooling, media overload, zoom meetings, financial fears, health fears… we’re bloody worn out. When worn out, our capacity to withstand life’s challenges is inevitably diminished. Conflict
Not all families are on the same seasonal page. Some of us want to be together over Christmas and Covid-19 be damned, while others feel safer staying apart. At a time when families usually come together, we’re divided.
I’ve seen many families in a state of conflict over how and where to spend the holidays. One client told me that their family (who live in three different European countries) had a family meeting online in order to determine the lockdown laws in each of the three jurisdictions. She felt that resolving Brexit would have been easier. The vaccine
Bah humbug. Many of my clients don’t want to risk feeling hopeful about the vaccine yet. Coping with the possibility of uncertainty or more disappointment feels too difficult. For them, the vaccine is a tease especially as most of them don’t know when they will be eligible.
The vaccine is like waiting for the next season of our favourite Netflix series. You know it’s coming but you don’t know when. We don’t allow ourselves to get hopeful in case the next series is cancelled! What’s my point?
My point is that we can be forgiven for struggling with our mental health this Christmas. It doesn’t mean that we can’t be jolly (good for you if you are feeling in the festive spirit), but it is likely to be bittersweet for many. My 5 Christmas survival tips
Acknowledge your mental health. (Hint: if someone was taking a movie of you recently, what would they notice?). Once you have acknowledged your primary emotions, what might you need this holiday period? Some time alone or more support? If you had a cold over Christmas, you might let your friends and family visiting know. Do the people around you know your mental health?
Set Boundaries. What will make you feel safe this Christmas? How can you be true to yourself and stay within your integrity? We need to communicate with our loved ones in advance of being together what our expectations are. Do you require social distancing inside the house? Maybe it’s not acceptable for cousin Johnny to step off a plane and into your living-room? Is hugging ok? Boundaries are hard to set because we risk disappointing people. (The author and researcher Brené Brown describes a boundary as what is okay and not okay for you).
Seek REAL connection. As infants, our brains malfunction if we are deprived of social connection. There will be a handful of people in your life that have touched you. Those are the ones to reach to this Christmas whether or not you will be together. If any are deceased, try writing them a letter and reflect. We need to share our reality with the people that matter the most.
Make Zoom better. If you are having part of your Christmas on zoom, what might create an opportunity for deeper connection or some shared meaning? Have you thought about having a structure so that everyone takes turns to talk about what’s happening in their lives rather than the awkward free for all Zoom session? Have you thought about introducing some games? (If you could visit any person in history, who would it be and why?). I know one family who will be cooking together over Zoom.
(The challenge with family zoom sessions is by the time Grandma and Grandpa have got the sound switched on and you are no longer looking at their nasal hair, the session is over).
Go with the flow. There is often an expectation of what Christmas “should” be. That’s tough enough in the best of times. Christmas 2020 will be like no other. Perhaps our challenge is not to fixate on the past or dwell on the future but to be present for this holiday season, whatever it turns out to be like. I’ve never fully understood what “leaning into” something means but it feels like the right phrase here! Can we lean into this Christmas and give ourselves permission to experience it as is, without judgment?
And finally…
We all want to know when things will return to normal. Perhaps our greatest hope lies in the fact that things will not return to normal but that they will get better. Perhaps we will have learned more about what we value in our relationships and lives as a result of the pandemic and be bolder in seeking those changes.
I am hopeful that from the collective trauma will come a mindful, collective awakening. Wishing good health and happiness to all as we awaken and turn the corner into 2021.
Gavin Sharpe is a UK qualified psychotherapist and a Monaco resident. He can be reached at www.rivierawellbeing.com.
New rules apply for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in the Principality. Here is everything you need to know about the temporary relaxing of restrictions.
During a press conference on Friday, Minister of State Pierre Dartout clarified the slight adjustment to current health measures, as announced by Prince Albert on Thursday evening, in the run up to the end of year celebrations: Christmas Eve
On 24th December, the curfew has been relaxed and will come into effect from 11.30pm until 6am. Restaurants will still have to be closed by 9.30pm and people will have a 30-minute reprieve to make their way home. Christmas Day
On 25th December, restaurants will be allowed to stay open for one extra hour until 4pm for lunch service. However, the normal 9.30pm closing time still applies for dinner. New Year’s Eve
On 31st December, restaurants will be allowed to stay open for one extra hour for lunch service, until 4pm.
Restaurants will also be able to remain open for one extra hour in the evening, with a mandatory closing time of 10.30pm.
However, the 8pm general curfew is still be in place, so people will have to provide proof of attendance from a cultural institution (9.30pm curfew) or restaurant if found to be outside of their homes.
Everyone entering the Principality on New Year’s Eve will be stopped and only residents, workers and visitors with a hotel reservation in the Principality will be allowed in.
All public gatherings are banned on 24th December and 31st December. Private parties in people’s homes are allowed, however the government does urge caution and common sense practices.
The government also confirmed that the current curfew and other health measures, including the mandatory wearing of masks in public spaces, will be extended until at least 15th January. Sports
Sports venues and swimming pools were allowed to reopen on Saturday 19th December, in compliance with strict health rules that were developed during the previous deconfinement.
Training groups are limited to five people including the coach, while school sports activities are allowed to resume on 4th January, according to strict health protocols.
Despite a situation that seems under control, the minister of state reiterated his call for everyone’s vigilance, especially in the private sphere, and with a view to travel related to holidays.
Monaco’s vaccination campaign is expected to be rolled out at the beginning of the school year with three priority groups given first access. Here is the latest information from the government.
In his press conference on Friday detailing the next stage of the Principality’s health measures, Minister of State Pierre Dartout revealed that the government’s Covid vaccination plan will kick into action during the second or third week of January, if the all-clear is given by the European Medicines Agency.
The vaccines will be free and completely voluntary.
Three groups will be given priority during the first round of inoculation: people aged over 75, people aged over 65, and medical and care staff.
The vaccination centre will be housed at the Espace Léo Ferré, and it is necessary to make an appointment by calling the Covid Centre on:
During a National Council Assembly meeting in December, the minister of state said that the first rollout will usethe Pzifer-BioNTech vaccine, followed by the Astra Zeneca vaccine in March and April, and by year’s end, the Sanofi Pastuer vaccine will be added to the arsenal.
The Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is administered in two doses, three weeks apart.
Exclusive: Inside Prince Albert’s extravagant fundraising gala
Monaco Life goes behind the scenes of the Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health to discover what it takes to put together the largest, most spectacular fundraising event in the history of the Principality.
From the very first edition in 2017, the Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health (formerly known as the Monte-Carlo Gala for the Ocean) has been an incredibly unique and extravagant event, bringing together celebrities, royalty, philanthropists, business leaders and scientists on the terraces of the Opera Garnier.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Robert Redford and Sting have all taken centre stage to receive personal honours from Prince Albert for their environmental efforts.
Beside them have stood some of the biggest names in entertainment: Uma Therman, Sharron Stone, Nicole Kidman, Andy Garcia, Gwen Stefani and Johnny Depp, to name a few. Is it no wonder that the Monte-Carlo Gala is the hottest ticket in town?
Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health 2020 by Tuff Consult
But like most things here, the gala has a very clear message and purpose: To save the world’s oceans. In exchange for an elaborate star-studded evening, privileged guests are invited to dig deep and provide crucial support to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
To date, millions have been raised for vital ocean-related initiatives through the gala’s auction, which is as jaw dropping as the gala itself. Organised by Global Fundraising Chairman Milutin Gatsby and featuring the “Mick Jagger of auctions” Simon de Pury, an incredible array of unique pieces have gone under the hammer – from intimate experiences with the Prince and autographed fast cars, to a water bike lesson with Princess Charlene, time on a Hollywood film set and incredible art works.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene at this year’s gala, photo by Eric Mathon / Prince’s PalaceThe “Mick Jagger of auctions” Simon de Pury at the Monte-Carlo Gala For Planetary Health 2020
Even in this unprecedented year of Covid-19, while the world’s most famous A-list events were being wiped from the calendar, the Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health went ahead on 24th September, against all odds.
Its design, production and organisation was entrusted to event agency Tuff Consult. “We had an internal Covid department, providing us with real-time information on what we needed to do to protect people – both guests and the teams putting the event together,” Stefan Santoni, founder of Tuff, tells Monaco Life. “We can be very proud of the fact that from this event, organised for around 400 people, there were zero Covid cases.”
Stefan Santoni prefers to stay behind the scenes at the Monte-Carlo Gala For Planetary Health
The Covid-19 pandemic did put a stop to Stefan’s other major annual gig – the amfAR fundraising gala at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc during the Cannes Film Festival – but, he says, Milutin Gatsby was always determined that the Monte-Carlo Gala would go ahead.
“Our fundraising chairman believed in it more strongly than anyone else, which was extremely helpful because it gave us all positive energy,” reveals Stefan.
Monte-Carlo Gala For Planetary Health 2020
Together with Vice President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Olivier Wenden, the three are credited with creating the elaborate concept for 2020’s gala, dedicated to the Ocean, Earth and Humanity.
The very structure that envelopes guests is the distinguishing feature of the Monte-Carlo Gala. Previously, an enormous transparent marquee has hugged the walls of the Opera Garnier while ocean projections feature on the façade.
This year, guests were invited to step into a giant 1,500sqm three-dimension dome and be completely immersed in images of galaxies, forests, ocean floors and glaciers.
“The entire structure was created to project these incredible videos of the planet,” says Stefan. “It actually takes about a month to set up and involves around 500 people on the day of the gala to make it happen. But the whole process, from conception to execution, takes a year.”
To achieve a fully immersive experience, the production team used more than 38 video-projectors as well as 3D simulation technology.
Reflecting these mesmerising scenes was another dome at the centre of each table, upon which guests could also view the entire night’s proceedings.
The galaxy inside the gala’s 3D dome
“With the dome, we were able to project anything we wanted – the art for auction, a movie, or a live interview,” says Stefan. “Last year we had holograms in the middle of each table which showed the auction items that they were selling on stage. We always try to come up with a new technology to surprise people. It’s important for guests to anticipate something different every year.”
Despite the headline-grabbing nature of the event and its celebrity guest list, very few images of the actual gala ever make it in to the media. But Stefan Santoni was proud to share his work with Monaco Life.
Stefan Santoni keeping a watchful eye over everything at the 2020 gala
Indeed, this modest Swedish man has much to be proud of. He started his career as a roadie running cables under the stage for Pink Floyd in France. From there, he became a production director for high-end fashion shows across the globe. But it was the consultancy firm that he created, Tuff, that eventually propelled him into the lucrative world of celebrity fundraisers and luxury events. He now counts the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, Valentino, Saint Laurent, Chopard, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation among his very long client list.
Stefan acknowledges that having a “carte blanche” for the Monte-Carlo gala makes it extremely fun and interesting. “It is a big event with a big result,” he says, highlighting the millions raised for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
But catering to the rich and famous can sometimes bring outrageous demands. “Once I was asked if I could put a live elephant in a swimming pool, which we didn’t do obviously. We have many crazy things that people ask for that we can’t do – either because we simply cannot do it, or because it is not appropriate.
“Usually, we take this very seriously, but with a lot of fun,” he says.
Of course, it has not been all fun this year. The global crisis brought about by the pandemic has heavily impacted the events industry, forcing the cancellation of most private parties and fundraising events.
Thankfully, says Stefan, with support from the French Government, he has been able to keep his full team afloat. He only hopes that things will pick up as soon as possible, with the Monte-Carlo Tennis Masters and the Cannes Film Festival signalling the beginning of a busy events season in 2021. But even then, Stefan acknowledges that the industry will not go back to “normal” any time soon.
“I can’t read the future, but I am ready for a change in the events industry,” he says.
We can only imagine what Stefan and his team will put together next year. Of course, he is remaining very tight lipped about it all, but we can expect that it will be very big, very impressive, and very Monte-Carlo.
See more photos of the Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health 2020 here (click to enlarge)…
