Monaco Celebrates Handipact Day 2025, Championing Sport for Inclusion with Prince Albert II

Principality Highlights Inclusion Through Sport on Handipact Day 2025

Monaco observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2025, with its annual Handipact Day, placing a significant emphasis on the transformative role of sport in fostering inclusion, empowerment, and social change. The day's events were inaugurated by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, reinforcing the Principality's dedication to creating a more accessible and equitable society.

Sport as a Catalyst for Social Change

The focus on sport for inclusion was a central theme of Handipact Day 2025. Prince Albert II officially opened a striking photographic exhibition titled 'Beyond the Limits' on the Larvotto promenade. Curated by photographer Romain de Sigalas, the exhibition showcased powerful images from major international para-sport competitions, celebrating athletic excellence that transcends physical boundaries. This initiative aligns with Monaco's preparations for its status as World Capital of Sport 2025, highlighting that a true sporting legacy encompasses not only performance but also inclusion.

A key highlight of the day included an exchange with Gaël Rivière, a renowned Paralympic champion and president of the French Federation for Disability Sport. Rivière underscored sport's unparalleled ability to break down prejudice, stating that it 'reveals ability before disability and restores confidence through performance and discipline'.

Advancing the Handipact Policy

Beyond the sporting events, Prince Albert II also visited the Méridien Beach Plaza to review the ongoing progress of Monaco's Handipact public policy. Launched in 2023, this comprehensive policy aims to significantly improve the daily lives of people living with disabilities in the Principality. The policy, overseen by Lionel Galfré, Technical Advisor responsible for people with disabilities, has already yielded tangible advancements across various sectors, including education, culture, sport, and infrastructure.

Currently, nearly 500 individuals in Monaco hold officially recognized disability status, a demographic that continues to shape urban planning and accessibility initiatives. Notable achievements include the adaptation of institutions like the Grimaldi Forum for sensory accessibility and the recognition of outstanding local engagement through the 2025 Handipact Trophy, awarded to the Grimaldi Forum and the Monegasque Association for Motor Disabilities. Furthermore, since the end of 2024, all public buildings in the Principality have been made accessible, with only a few exemptions.

Monaco's Enduring Commitment to Inclusion

Handipact Day 2025 served as a powerful reminder of Monaco's sustained commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all its residents. Through strategic policies like Handipact and events that spotlight the unifying power of sport, the Principality continues to work towards a society where individuals with disabilities are fully integrated and empowered. The day's activities underscored the government's proactive approach to addressing disability awareness and accessibility, striving to make inclusion a lived reality.