FIGHT AIDS CUP 2020: A SUCCESSFUL FIRST EDITION
10/04/2021
As every year, the traditional football match between the Barbagiuans team and the circus team will take place. In January 2020, and for the first time, the meeting renamed Fight Aids Cup was for the benefit of the Monegasque association for the fight against HIV, Fight Aids Monaco. Several big football names played in both teams, enough to attract almost 600 people to the Stade Louis-II.
Back on an exceptional event, which calls for others.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the circus team won the game two years ago over Prince Albert II’s, the Barbagiuans. After a score of parity at the end of regulation time (1-1), it was the famous penalty shootout that allowed the two teams to decide between them, in the cold of the Louis-II stadium. But the essential was elsewhere: « Our main objective was to make a big communication for Fight Aids Monaco, through sport and a charity match », declared Romain Goiran, co-organizer of the event and Barbagiuans player. « The important thing is that people come to have fun. All the smiles, this good atmosphere … The audience and the actors of the game are satisfied. We were able to collect significant gains for the association. The bet is won ”. For Louis Ducruet, co-organizer and also Barbagiuans player, the evening was an opportunity to promote the association of Princess Stéphanie, in his own way. “I wanted to give support to my mother by trying to raise funds for Fight Aids Monaco. It was important for me to make a contribution by using an area that I know well, football. « For him, the presence of legends of a sport, which remains undoubtedly the most popular in the world, also strongly contributed to the success of this first edition of the Fight Aids Cup. “It wasn’t hard convincing them to come. They were all very motivated. Their participation attracted audiences to the stands, and that was one of the main goals. « An enthusiasm that Princess Stephanie had also wanted to share: » It’s a great idea to mix the circus and football for a good cause, « she said. The president of the Fight Aids Monaco association also paid tribute to the approach taken by her son. « I thank Louis for taking this great initiative. The evening was a real success. »
Renowned players present
Several former glories of the Principality’s club were present. Besides Sébastien Squillaci, Didier Deschamps, Gaël Givet, Andrea Raggi and Manuel Dos Santos, the presence of Ludovic Giuly was greatly appreciated by ASM fans. An opportunity for him to once again set foot on the lawn of Louis-II, whom he knows so well: « It’s always a source of pride to be able to play at this stadium where I had the chance to win titles », he declares. For Jean Petit, coach of the Barbagiuans and former member of the team, this charity match was an opportunity to meet players whom he had known throughout his professional career, in a very different context. « It was an honor to represent the team in which I played, but also to be able to train former glories with which I had the privilege to share great moments, sometimes at the top of European football. » On the circus side, other personalities were in the workforce, enough to expand the panel of football stars, already gathered to celebrate the first edition of the Fight Aids Cup. Aside from Patrick Vieira, Sébastien Frey, William Gallas and Olivier Dacourt, Laure Boulleau, retired professional player and now consultant to Canal + did not hesitate to testify to the pleasure felt by participating in such a meeting. « It was a great time, which allows you to regain feelings after quitting. Through this event, the values of sport were also able to be put forward, which is very important. «
On January 24, 2022, the Fight Aids Cup will celebrate its second anniversary. Delayed for a year by the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-awaited charity event and in particular by the lucky ones already present for the first edition, will therefore make a comeback at the Louis II stadium.
The evening, always placed under the values of sport and conviviality, promises to be once again thrilling, and is likely to delight football enthusiasts who will attend …
