The Monaco Ice Skating Championships were rewarded with blue skies and beautiful weather this weekend. At 10.30 am in Stade Nautique Rainier III the young would-be champions of Monaco, both girls and boys, paraded in front of their parents, friends and well-wishers in the stands. How proud the parents of these Monaco school-children representing more than fifteen different nationalities must be.

Monaco Ice Skating Champions: Olympic Medallists of the Future — @www.facebook.com/SCOMPATINAGEMONACO/

Dozens of the children and youths gave their all before the eagle eyes of the judges and a very special guest and double Olympic medal winner Philippe Candeloro. Philippe ranks at the very top of the supporters of Monaco Skating, being a past champion here himself and Vice President of the Monaco Skating Federation. Seen waving HelloMonaco’s Magazine on high he delighted the skaters, giving advice to each one at the end of their presentations.

Monegasque skaters are punching above their weight internationally with recent successes including Davide Lewton-Brain. Davide is already a young veteran of the World Championships. Having last competed in Minsk in Belarus he made Monaco proud placing twenty fourth in the world.

Monaco’s young skaters attract a raft of celebrities who love to watch them skate in this unique setting in Port Hercule against a background of luxury yachts and the Mediterranean. A magical setting that, did you know, merited the appearance of one of the world’s great illusionists and magicians Luc Langevin.

Monaco Ice Skating Champions: Olympic Medallists of the Future

The high level of the performances were no illusion. Applause for the trophy winners in their categories:

Caterina Cassina, winner of the National Education Cup

Louise-Mairie Ambroise, winner of the Monaco Mairie Cup

Issei Muraki, winner of the Novice Cup

and Aiden Buttiero, winner of the Prince Albert II Cup

Following the Championships is a Gala put on by the young Monegasques and their Federation made even more entertaining with Philippe Candeloro back-flipping on the ice to wild delight.

The Gala event includes wonderful exhibitions of the skating programs by the winners, a beautiful ballet all to the accompaniment not only of enchanting music but also of visual effects – flames leaping high into the sky. The Gala is preceded with a demonstration by the younger ice hockey players.

Monaco Ice Skating Champions: Olympic Medallists of the Future

Almost as entertaining as all the action on the ice is the commentary from Malcolm Klein who keeps the mood jolly.

The Championships and the Gala were a lucky coincidence for visitors to the SIAM International Auto Show in the Pavillions next to the rink who were treated to a bonus Ice Skating Expo within the price of their ticket.

Monaco puts enormous effort in promoting sporting opportunities for young people; that was very evident from the applause from every level of Monaco society who came to cheer on the youngsters, their Gala performances and everyone who skated in these 2019 Ice Skating Championships.

Monaco Ice Skating Champions: Olympic Medallists of the Future