Andorra la Vella, Andorra (May 26, 2025) – The Olympic family of the Small States of Europe convened this morning at the Hotel Starc in Andorra for their General Assembly. Xavier Espot mirò, president of the organizing committee for the 20th edition of the Games, sponsored by the IOC and European olympic Committees, presided over the meeting.
San Marino’s delegation, led by newly appointed President Christian forcellini and General Secretary Eros Bologna, marked their first official appearance. Bologna reminded attendees that the inaugural Games in Serravalle stadium were held on May 26, 1985, a significant milestone for the microstate’s sporting history.
The General Assembly officially confirmed that the 2027 edition of the games will be hosted by Monaco from may 3-8. This early scheduling deviates from the traditional calendar due to major international motorsport and tennis events, which would or else make hosting impossible. While the Olympic Committees acknowledged potential challenges, such as ongoing school activities and conflicts with qualification events (as noted by San Marino), they approved the proposal to ensure the Games’ continuity. This is akin to the NFL adjusting its schedule to avoid conflicts with major college football games,demonstrating a commitment to the sport’s overall success.
Monaco’s edition will introduce water polo as a new sport, while replacing 5×5 basketball with 3×3 basketball.Volleyball and beach volleyball are confirmed. Though, flight shooting will be excluded due to the unavailability of a suitable venue, while target shooting and archery will remain. This mirrors the strategic decisions made by the NCAA when adding or removing sports based on factors like popularity, Title IX compliance, and resource allocation.
Looking ahead,Luxembourg presented its project for the 2029 Games,emphasizing inclusion initiatives,exhibition sports,and involvement of the Paralympic movement. Rugby will not be included, but 5×5 basketball, volleyball, and beach volleyball are confirmed. Additional proposed sports include badminton, cycling, gymnastics, and karate. This holistic approach to sports mirrors the Special Olympics’ commitment to providing athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Cyprus’s candidacy for the 2031 Games was also confirmed, pending final approval from the Luxembourg government.The presidency of the general Assembly will transition from Andorra’s Xavier Espot mirò to Yvette Lambin Berti, Secretary General of the Monaco Olympic Committee. Manfred Schreiber of Liechtenstein will succeed Jean Pierre Schoebel of monaco as president of the Technical Commission, a role Schoebel held for 15 years. This change in leadership reflects a commitment to fresh perspectives and continued growth within the organization,
according to sources close to the committee.
Martina Mazza of the San Marino CONS Executive Committee will join the Technical Commission, replacing President Christian Forcellini. This appointment underscores San Marino’s continued involvement and influence within the Games’ organizational structure.
The decisions made at this General Assembly highlight the commitment of these small European states to fostering athletic competition and promoting the Olympic spirit. Further investigation into the economic impact of hosting these games on the host nations, similar to studies done on the Super Bowl’s impact on host cities, would provide valuable insights.
Key Developments and Future Games: A Snapshot
Table of Contents
The 20th General Assembly of the Small States of Europe games concluded with impactful decisions for the future of the Games. Following the proceedings in Andorra, hear’s a concise overview:
Games Schedule and Host Cities: A Timeline
| Year | Host City | Dates | New Sports/Changes | Notable Considerations |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| 2025 | Andorra la Vella | Ongoing | | |
| 2027 | Monaco | may 3-8 | Water Polo Introduced, 3×3 Basketball replaces 5×5 Basketball, Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Confirmed, Flight Shooting Excluded | Early schedule due to international motorsport and tennis events; Conflicts with school activities and qualification events acknowledged. |
| 2029 | Luxembourg | (Project Presented) | Rugby Excluded, 5×5 Basketball, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball Confirmed, Badminton, Cycling, Gymnastics, Karate (Proposed) | Emphasis on Inclusion Initiatives, Exhibition Sports, and Paralympic Movement involvement. |
| 2031 | Cyprus | (Candidacy Confirmed, pending Luxembourg Govt.Approval) | | |
(Image: A map highlighting the locations, Andorra, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Cyprus, discussed in the article. An arrow could point towards a calendar icon highlighting the games’ schedules.)
Image Alt Text: Geographic locations of Small States of Europe Games Host Cities: A visual representation of the participating countries and their game schedules.
Caption: The table summarizes critical decisions, reflecting the Olympic Committees’ dynamic approach in developing the Small States of europe Games.
Beyond the Podium: Leadership and Strategic Shifts
The General Assembly also focused on leadership transitions and strategic adjustments to maintain the Games’ momentum.These changes demonstrate forward thinking and a dedication to sustained development.
Leadership Transitions at a glance
Presidency: Xavier Espot miró (Andorra) to Yvette Lambin Berti (Monaco).
Technical Commission President: Jean Pierre Schoebel (Monaco) to Manfred Schreiber (Liechtenstein).
* Technical Commission: Martina Mazza (San Marino CONS Executive Commitee) replaces Christian Forcellini.
Examining Trends and Adaptations
The choices reflect a commitment to evolution and adapting to external challenges. These efforts help in keeping the games thriving for the benefit of the participating nations.
Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the Small states of Europe Games?
A: The Small States of Europe Games are a multi-sport event held every two years and is a competition for athletes from the small states within Europe, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). These games provide a platform for these nations to compete and promote sportsmanship.
Q: When and where will the next Games be held?
A: The 2027 edition of the Games will be held in Monaco from May 3rd to May 8th.
Q: What sports are included in the Small States of Europe Games?
A: The sports vary by edition, but typically include athletics, swimming, judo, shooting, and team sports like basketball and volleyball. In monaco, Water Polo will be introduced.
Q: Why is the 2027 games in Monaco scheduled earlier than usual?
A: The schedule has been adjusted to accommodate major international motorsport and tennis events that would or else prevent Monaco from hosting the Games.
Q: How large is the economic impact of these games on host cities?
A: Further studies, mirroring analysis performed on events like the Super Bowl, would provide valuable insights into the economic benefits of hosting the Small States of Europe Games for the host nations.
Q: How are decisions made about which sports are included in the Games?
A: Decisions on sports inclusion are made by the Olympic Committees, considering factors such as venue availability, popularity, alignment with Olympic standards, and the unique requirements of each host nation.
Q: What is the meaning of the leadership transitions within the games institution?
A: The leadership changes reflect a commitment to adapting, bringing fresh perspectives and ongoing growth, further ensuring the Games’ sustainable development.
