8 Apr
The Monegasque Rugby Federation and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation are Organising the 5th "St. Devota Tournament"
On Saturday 11 April 2015, several international under-12 teams will compete at the Louis II Stadium
The Monegasque Rugby Federation is organising the 5th "St. Devota Tournament" in association with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The tournament will take place on Saturday 11 April 2015 at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco.
The aim of this sporting event is to highlight the values of rugby, on which the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation places great importance, above and beyond the sporting aspects.
These meetings foster team spirit and a sense of generosity, sharing, solidarity, respect and fair play and help develop children's self-esteem and their ability to interact harmoniously with others.
Renowned international players are expected to attend to encourage the budding athletes. Stefan Terblanche, a former player with the Sharks and the Springboks and current Director of the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA), will be present.
This year, the U12 category will feature international teams from Abu Dhabi, France (Toulon Rugby Club, Lucciana), Italy (Imperia, Mirano and Pro Recco), South Africa, Spain (Barcelona), Switzerland (Gland), Tunisia and Monaco. This year, in tribute to "Russian Year in Monaco," a Russian team will also participate in the Tournament.
Lucciana and Monaco will take part in the "St. Devota Challenge," which bears the name of the patron saint of the Principality and Corsica.
For the first time, there will be a "Tots' Rugby" session at the Louis II Stadium. This introduction to the game is aimed at children from 3 to 5 years of age.
There will also be educational workshops and specially adapted circuits for young people with disabilities (Educational Medical Institutes), for a fun introduction to rugby.
These children will be assisted by the U15 members of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, who hope to pass on their enthusiasm for rugby and the values of this sport.
Specialised Monegasque institutions - A.M.A.P.E.I., Monaco Disease Power – and institutions from Menton - Les Lucioles, La Pierre et le Sable, Saint-Exupéry and SEGPA - will play an active part in this event.
Pupils from the 1st Baccalaureate in Professional Management and Administration from Monaco's Vocational and Catering School will also help to organise an "Introduction to Rugby" session in connection with their school curriculum. The marks obtained will count towards their Professional Baccalaureate.
Furthermore, the "South Africa - Monaco Rugby Exchange" is one of the key projects in the Princess Charlene Foundation's 2015 programme "Sport and Education – Self Development through the Values of Sport." As part of the St. Devota Tournament, disadvantaged South African children, chosen on the basis of their sports results, will be welcomed to the Principality by the Princess Charlene Foundation from 8 to 15 April, thanks to a partnership with SARLA. A Monegasque team will then go to South Africa in the summer of 2015.
Alongside the rugby tournament, the young South African sportspeople and children from the Principality will take part in fun, educational activities. This is an opportunity to learn about and be enriched by their cultural differences.
The Department of Education, Youth and Sport is keen to give these young South Africans the best possible welcome. They will therefore be able to meet pupils from Year 7 of the international classes at the Collège Charles III and the Collège François d’Assise – Nicolas Barré, who have prepared a presentation booklet on the Principality for this special occasion.
They will also have lunch with their Monegasque friends in the canteen of the Collège Charles III, when South African dishes will be created. In addition, visits to Monaco's Aquatic Rescue Centre and some of Monaco's most famous sites will be arranged.
Finally, a meeting between the South African players and the Toulon Rugby Club is also planned. There will also be an opportunity to gain experience within this Club.
Saturday 11 April 2015 - Louis II Stadium – Open to all, admission free
9.30 a.m. Start of Tournament
2 p.m. Educational Workshops
3.30 p.m. Tots' Rugby
4.15 p.m. Final
4.45 p.m. Prize Awards
www.fondationprincessecharlene.mc
www.monaco-rugby.com