IAAF signs a new convention with the Principality of Monaco

IAAF President Lamine Diack, on behalf of the IAAF, signed a new convention with the Principality of Monaco, represented by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, at the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco on Friday (21).

The principal elements of the convention concern the continued residence of the IAAF in the Principality and the move of the IAAF offices to a new location within the Principality early next year.

“It is with the greatest of pleasure and pride that in the final year of my last mandate as president of the International Association of Athletics Federations that I have the honour to sign a new convention with the Principality of Monaco,” said President Diack.

“The existing IAAF headquarters were officially inaugurated in Monaco on 10 June 1994 in the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Twenty years ago the Principality embraced the Olympics’ number one sport.

 “A warm friendly relationship between the palace, the people of Monaco and the IAAF has existed ever since.

“I remember so well the words of my predecessor Dr Primo Nebiolo declaring in 1994 that: 'after 82 years of existence, the IAAF has finally found its true home.'

“In 2012, when the IAAF celebrated its 100^th anniversary, those words were exemplified when the personnel of IAAF HQ were welcomed to the gardens of the palace for a memorable birthday party.

“The IAAF is delighted that the new convention will witness the opening of new offices next year, located at Quai Antoine 1er.

“This transfer will allow us to bring together all the various departments and divisions of the IAAF under the same roof.  I also want to underline how much this move will further cement the enduring relationship of the IAAF with the Principality of Monaco.

“In the name of all my colleagues of the IAAF Council, I would therefore like to thank His Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco for his enduring hospitality,” added President Diack.

“I would like to say how thrilled I am that the relationship between the Principality and the IAAF is ongoing, especially with these new premises,” commented His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.

"The bond between athletics and the Principality are long lasting and strong. Its practice is widely spread in our educational structures as well as with the athletics section of A.S. Monaco, which has just celebrated 90 years of existence.

"It is now 30 years, on the initiative of the late Primo Nebiolo, that the International Athletic Foundation was founded in Monaco. This organisation has a mission to help promote athletics, particularly in supporting the development of appropriate infrastructures.

"The same year, in 1984, I created the Monegasque Athletics Federation, which enabled us to acquire international recognition.

"As such, beginning in 1985, the Monegasque Athletics Federation, using the Stade Louis II, was able to launch and develop international events and in particular, the Herculis Meeting.

"I am delighted to emphasize that in 2014 and for the second time in its history, our meeting was classified as the best international (one day) meeting.

"Since 1993, a new phase of our relationship was reached with the agreement allowing the establishment of the IAAF Headquarters which was inaugurated in spring 1994 by my father, Prince Rainier III and Primo Nebiolo.

"Twenty years have since elapsed and today I am pleased to announce that this fruitful cooperation has reached a new milestone with the extension of the IAAF headquarters and the allocation of additional space located on Quai Albert 1er. These new premises will allow you to group IAAF activities into two venues, which are currently spread over four different sites in the Principality." 

"Dear Lamine, I am delighted by this reinforcement of our relationship which is largely due to your firm and tenacious will to root the IAAF in Monaco. A desire of which I pay tribute and one you know I share,· added His Serene Highness.

IAAF