MONACO, 4 June 2017 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the inaugural Riviera Water Bike Challenge, held in support of the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco. The distinguished charity event brought together international sports figures, philanthropists, and Monaco society to raise vital funds for water safety education programs.
The pioneering challenge began on the beaches of Nice and concluded at the Yacht Club de Monaco in Port Hercule, with teams competing in relay format across 21 kilometers of Mediterranean waters aboard innovative Schiller S1 water bikes. Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco, presided over the event alongside H.S.H. Prince Albert II and H.S.H. Princess Charlène, who personally participated in the opening ceremony.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s presence at this inaugural sporting event underscored her ongoing commitment to supporting charitable initiatives within Monaco society. Her attendance reflected a dedication to causes that promote children’s welfare and water safety education through the convergence of sport and humanitarian purpose.
The competition featured prominent athletes including Percy Montgomery, the retired South African rugby champion, and Olympic gold medalist Ryk Neethling, whose team claimed victory in the day’s challenge. The Monaco Police and Team COCC secured second and third positions respectively, while a moment of silence honored victims of recent events in London before the race commenced.
Conceived by Gareth Wittstock, brother of Princess Charlène and Secretary General of the Foundation, the Riviera Water Bike Challenge represented an innovative approach to charitable fundraising. The event successfully combined athletic achievement with meaningful social impact, utilizing the distinctive water bike technology to create an engaging spectacle for both participants and spectators along the French Riviera coastline.
The Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco dedicates itself to teaching children essential water safety skills and swimming instruction. Through initiatives such as the Sport and Education programme, the Foundation addresses critical drowning prevention while promoting broader values of athletic achievement and personal development. The Riviera Water Bike Challenge serves as a cornerstone fundraising event, attracting philanthropists and sports advocates who share the Foundation’s commitment to protecting children worldwide.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s participation exemplified her broader philanthropic vision, one that seamlessly integrates support for Monaco’s cultural and charitable landscape with meaningful engagement in causes that create lasting impact for vulnerable communities.
