The FIGHT AIDS CUP is Back For a Very Special 5th Anniversary
The FIGHT AIDS CUP is set to make a memorable comeback at the Stade Louis II on the 22nd of January. Every year this amazing sporting event unites football legends, celebritiesand entertainment figures to support the FIGHT AIDS MONACO charity under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II. This year promises to be more impactful than ever.
The match is organised in the memory of Monaco’s own football legend and Barbagiuans icon Jean Petit. The event will pay tribute to him through a mock kick-off by some of his family members, broadcasting his photo on the screens of the stadium and a minute-long applause in his honour.
“Jeannot was the perfect embodiment of who we are. The generosity he showed throughout his life will always be remembered. His smile, his infectious good humour and, above all, his loyalty to the Barbagiuans… He was a charismatic character, appreciated by all those who had the good fortune to be close to him,” said the nephew of the sovereign. A Jeannot Petit trophy will also be awarded by HSH Prince Albert II and Louis Ducruet to the best Barbagiuans player at the private after-match evening.
One of the main sponsors of the tournament is Patrice Evra, a renowned figure in the world of football. A former captain of the French national team and a winner of the Champions League, the former left-back has played for some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs and has seen it all. After retiring from the football pitch, Evra now works with the world’s most esteemed organisations like United Nations and the World Health Organisation to support their visions and numerous charity initiatives.
On the 22nd of January he will be returning to where it all started for him, at Stade Louis II, to support the cause represented by the FIGHT AIDS CUP. And his contribution will not end on the football field, “I’m honoured to be the first sponsor in the history of this wonderful event. My investment will be as great as the enthusiasm I feel at the idea of taking part and coming back to Monaco”.
The football star has also reflected on the personal significance of giving back to a good cause and combining charity work with his passion for football, “I’ve received a lot in my life and now it’s a question of putting a smile back on the faces of those who struggle on a daily basis, through football and my own personality”.
Patrice reflects back on his years in Monaco, the Principality where he enjoyed so many of his first successes, with pride and gratitude. He expresses particular gratitude for the support and confidence that he has constantly received from Prince Albert, “Without my blossoming here and the unfailing support of Prince Albert, the course of my career would undoubtedly have been different”.
The event will also see some new faces take part in the match for the first time. A French international and 1998 world champion, Christian Karembeu is one of them. The former midfielder is very enthusiastic about doing his part and sending a message of solidarity to the audience of the tournament, “It is important to continue to find solutions to improve the living conditions of all people living with HIV. So when I was asked to come along, I accepted without hesitation”.
As a member of the CIRQUE FC team, Karembeu is also looking forward to reaching new heights in his favourite sport with his former teammates. He has especially remarked on the feeling of family and the opportunity to reminiscence on past exploits and common victories that this match will bring, as well as the opportunity “to win another trophy and, at the same time, to share emotions with those present”.
Most importantly, the sponsors of the FIGHT AIDS CUP will be there to represent and champion the cause that H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie has been defending for 20 years. Christophe Glasser, the Director of FIGHT AIDS MONACO has stated, “The Fight Aids Cup has established itself year after year as a flagship event for the association. This meeting, initiated by Louis Ducruet with the Barbagiuans, raises awareness among a wide audience and raises essential funds for our actions. Much more than just a match, it’s a symbol of hope and the fight against discrimination”. He strongly believes that sports and football in particular have the unique capacity to bring people together and rally them around universal causes, such as: solidarity and surpassing oneself.
This year’s FIGHT AIDS CUP promises to be an extraordinary event that will combine sportsmanship, nostalgia and compassion. By bringing together so many legends in Monaco the Cup will send a powerful message of inclusion and support for people living with HIV.