Éric Elena has been awarded the Gold Medal of the French Basketball Federation (FFBB), acknowledging 17 years spent developing women’s basketball in Monaco.

The founder and co-president of Monaco Basket Association (MBA) received the honour from FFBB president Jean-Pierre Hunckler during the federation’s General Assembly in Lyon on Saturday, 3rd October. Elena becomes the second MBA executive to receive the FFBB Gold Medal, after Stéphan Maggi several years ago.

The recognition comes at an important moment for the club Elena has worked to build, with MBA now competing in Ligue Féminine 2 (LF2) and aiming to reach the highest level of French women’s basketball. Over the past 17 years, MBA has grown and established itself within French women’s basketball, with its development extending beyond results on the court to player development, sporting structures, and the wider promotion of the women’s game.

For Elena, the Gold Medal represents a collective effort rather than an individual achievement. “This Gold Medal represents for me a recognition of the work accomplished collectively over the past 17 years. It is a great source of pride for Monaco Basket Association, for the colours of the Principality, for Monaco sport and, more broadly, for women’s basketball in Monaco,” said Elena.

He also highlighted the significance of MBA’s relationship with the FFBB throughout that journey, describing the relationship as one built on “respect and trust.” He extended the recognition to institutions and partners that have contributed to MBA’s development over the years.

This recognition now adds another milestone to the club’s development, as MBA looks to turn its growing presence in French women’s basketball into success at the highest level.

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Photo credit: © DR