Princess Charlene honours Mireille Calmes, pioneer of sport for people with disabilities
Princess Charlene met with athletes and representatives from Special Olympics for the renaming ceremony © Communication Department / Philippe Fitte
The Stade Louis II gymnasium now bears the name of Mireille Calmes, who devoted over three decades to Special Olympics Monaco.
The Stade Louis II played host to a particularly symbolic ceremony on Saturday 18 October. Princess Charlene, accompanied by Minister of State Christophe Mirmand and Pierre Van Klaveren, current president of Special Olympics Monaco, unveiled a commemorative plaque paying tribute to Mireille Calmes. Jean-François Calmes and his son, representing the family at the ceremony, which recognised a lifetime of dedication.
Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025: Monegasque delegation strikes gold in Turin!
A legacy spanning four decades
Mireille Calmes, who passed away in 2021, left a considerable legacy. In 1984, she created the Monegasque branch of Special Olympics, positioning the Principality among the European pioneers of the international movement, along with Belgium and Ireland. For 34 years, until 2018, she led the organisation with a clear vision: to enable people with learning disabilities to achieve their full potential through sport.
A gymnasium in her honour
The schools gymnasium at Stade Louis II has officially changed its name to the Mireille Calmes Gymnasium. This decision reflects the lasting impact of her work on Monaco’s social fabric. Many athletes from Special Olympics Monaco, who turned out in large numbers for the occasion, were able to express their gratitude to the woman who paved the way to competitive sport for them.
Since its creation, the non-profit has enabled Monegasque athletes to take part in international Special Olympics competitions, promoting the values of inclusion and surpassing ones limits. Princess Charlene, Honorary President since 2012, continues to enthusiastically support that cause.
