From May 27 to June 1, they will defend the colours of the Principality in nine disciplines, during the 18th Game of the Small States of Europe.
At the initiative of Malta, in 1985, the first edition of the Small States Games of Europe (JPEE), held in San Marino, was launched. Since then, this event has been reserved for athletes from countries of the continents of fewer than 1 million inhabitants is held regularly every two years, with increasing success.
The Principality of Monaco has twice hosted this event in 1987 and 2007.
For this 18th edition, 116 athletes (70 men and 46 women) will defend the red and white colours in Montenegro, in nine disciplines: athletics, basketball, balls, judo, swimming, tennis, table tennis, shooting, volleyball and beach volleyball.
Montenegro joined the JPEE in 2009, also including Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco and San Marino.
4TH PLACE TO CONSOLIDATE
In addition to the usual big nations (Iceland, Cyprus and Luxembourg), Monegasque athletes will have to compete with representatives of the host country of the Balkans. Since the creation of the Games in 1985, Monaco has been in 4th place with 119 gold, 147 silver and 219 bronze medals. A ranking that is already a performance in itself, especially for the Principality, smaller state by size and population.
PRINCE ALBERT II WILL SUPPORT THE MONEGASQUES
President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, Prince Albert II will visit Montenegro. His arrival is scheduled for Monday, May 27, in the wake of the Grand Prix.
The sovereign will attend the opening ceremony the same evening before seeing and encouraging the next day the local athletes in the running. He will then share with the whole Monegasque delegation a moment of conviviality. Prince Albert will leave Montenegro on Wednesday early in the afternoon.
Member of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and President of the IOC Sustainability and Legacy Commission, the ruler will appreciate the motto of these Games: “To be fair by nature”.
Montenegro 2019 is part of the “Green Games” program, supported by Olympic Solidarity, to promote the organization of sustainable sports competitions.
This program has three phases: the creation of environmental standards related to the organization, education and promotion of sports events.