Several meetings and working sessions punctuated the ninth Forum of European Athletes, attended by Prince Albert.

In addition to a presentation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of support programmes for athletes, topics included the organisation of the second European Games in 2019 in Minsk, Belarus and the protection of clean athletes and the fight against doping.

Prince Albert spoke on Friday before the hundred or so Olympians from the fifty National Olympic Committees of Europe. As a member of the IOC since 1985, President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee since 1994, and having been Vice-President of the IOC Athletes Commission (1989-2008) then honorary member until 2015, the prince noted that the 2020 Agenda, as voted for at the 127th IOC Session in 2014 in Monaco, is “the strategic roadmap that shapes the future of the Olympic Movement”.

“Through 40 recommendations, the protection of athletes holds a more than important place, in which we can only rejoice,” His Serene Highness, who represented Monaco in five consecutive Winter Olympic Games in the bobsleigh, said.

“The time is now, and more than ever, to implement these recommendations. Thus, during these two days of debate, you are addressing many essential points among which are the place and the role of the Commissions of Athletes within the different events, and the protection of the athletes and their integrity.”

The Sovereign Prince added: “As Olympians, for the most part already invested with the institutions of your respective countries, you have understood the importance of your role and the responsibilities that are yours. Athletes are at the heart of the Olympic Movement and must stay there.”

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