The Principality’s athletes made a stunning start to the Games of the Small States of Europe, (Jeux des Petits États d’Europe) with judo leading the medal charge on day one.
Monaco’s delegation delivered an outstanding performance on the opening day of competition at the 20th Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra, claiming multiple medals with Prince Albert II and Interior Minister Lionel Beffre in attendance.
The Principality’s judo team was the star of Tuesday’s action, securing three gold medals with dominant performances across different weight categories. Marvin Gadeau claimed victory in the men’s +100kg division, while Sarah Allag (-52kg) and Omaïraa Aubry (-70kg) topped the podium in women’s categories.
Monaco’s medal haul extended beyond tatami mats, with the artistic gymnastics and swimming teams also contributing to what proved to be a highly successful opening day.
Prince Albert II, who attended Monday evening’s opening ceremony at Andorra’s national stadium, remained present to witness his country’s athletes excel in the multi-sport competition. The Games bring together over 1,000 athletes from nine National Olympic Committees—Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, and San Marino.
This year’s edition marks the 40th anniversary of the Games, which began in San Marino in 1985. The competition features 19 sporting disciplines across seven Andorran venues, from Andorra-la-Vieille to Sant Julià de Lòria.
For the first time, the Games are being broadcast live on COE channel (eoctv.org), offering greater visibility to the participating athletes through a collaboration between the European Olympic Committees’ channel and ACNO TV.
Speaking ahead of the Games’ ceremony, European Olympic Committees President Spyros Capralos said: “We are looking forward to welcoming to Andorra, on the occasion of the Games of the Small States of Europe, more than 1,000 athletes from 9 National Olympic Committees. These may be small in size, but they are strong in spirit and big in heart.”
This marks Andorra’s third time hosting the Games, following previous editions in 1991 and 2005. The most recent Games took place in Malta in 2023, where the host nation topped the medal table ahead of Cyprus and Luxembourg—with all nine competing nations securing at least one gold medal.
Competition continues until May 31st.
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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communication Department