Monaco's Public Safety Sports Association Celebrates 40 Years of Community and Competition
The Association Sportive de la Sûreté Publique fosters camaraderie among police officers through a diverse range of sports and community events.
Established nearly four decades ago, the Association Sportive de la Sûreté Publique (ASSP) has become a cornerstone of the sporting landscape in Monaco.
Under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II, the association currently boasts 150 members drawn from the 600 officers of the Sûreté Publique.
"It all started about 40 years ago.
Next year, we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the association," explains Bastien Isaia, the ASSP president since 2017. In its early days, the association focused on a limited number of sports, such as skiing, football, basketball, and volleyball.
The ASSP has since diversified its offerings, now providing 16 different disciplines.
Football remains the most popular section with three teams competing in various tournaments.
Padel, in particular, has gained significant traction, becoming one of the association's standout activities.
"We have triathlon, running, swimming, cycling, boxing, self-defense, volleyball, beach volleyball, pétanque, basketball, handball..." enumerates Isaia.
This variety allows officers to engage in activities that suit their personal interests and fit their often irregular schedules.
The ASSP emphasizes the importance of sports as a unifying force among police personnel.
Isaia states, "In the workplace, there is a hierarchy.
In sports, rank does not exist.
Everyone addresses each other informally.
A commander will address an agent informally, and vice versa." This characteristic fosters strong relationships among different services within the Monaco police force, facilitating communication and cooperation among colleagues.
An emblematic event for the ASSP is U Giru de Natale, a running competition held annually during the festive period.
Established in 1995, this race has become a significant fixture on the Monegasque calendar.
The event is open to all, which Isaia highlights as particularly important.
The race route, which includes the famous Formula 1 circuit and passes by the Palace Square, provides participants a unique experience.
Originally attracting 200 runners, the event now draws thousands, including many Italian participants who travel specifically for the occasion.
The ASSP incorporates a charitable dimension into U Giru de Natale, selecting a different organization to support each year.
Past beneficiaries have included the Princess Charlene Foundation, Monaco Liver Disorder (MLD) for sick children, and organizations promoting organ donation, among others.
The ASSP typically donates €2,000 to the chosen charity annually.
The association is also recognized for its performance in international competitions.
Teams regularly compete in events organized by the European Police Sports Union (USPE) and the International Police Sports Union (USIP).
Recent accolades include winning the French corporate champions title in padel in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and competing successfully in beach volleyball and handball championships.
Some members of the ASSP have been received by Prince Albert II at the Prince’s Palace in recognition of their achievements.
In anticipation of its 40th anniversary, the ASSP is planning an ambitious project: to host the first European padel competition under the auspices of the USPE.
Isaia describes this challenge as an interesting endeavor and a first for Europe, showcasing the association's aspirations to extend its influence beyond Monacan borders while reflecting the dynamic leadership of its entirely volunteer executive team.
Furthermore, the ASSP aims to strengthen ties between the police force and the Monegasque community.
Events like U Giru de Natale and participation in local championships offer police officers a chance to present a different facet of their roles.
Isaia notes, "We already have very good relations with the public.
I think it is more about maintaining the image we already have."
The ASSP's executive board consists of eight members with diverse profiles, contributing to the association's vitality.
"We have two retirees who lend elegance and experience: Éric and Pascal," details Isaia.
The team also includes active female member Lara, alongside two high-level athletes, both named Guillaume.
The team is rounded out by Frédéric Ristorto, the General Secretary known for his methodical approach, and Guillaume Millot, the treasurer noted for his skills in external relations, who works as a Brigadier in the Maritime Police.
Isaia emphasizes that the combination of members from different services, united for their colleagues, fosters a relationship built on trust, essential for both team cohesion and operational efficiency.
Under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II, the association currently boasts 150 members drawn from the 600 officers of the Sûreté Publique.
"It all started about 40 years ago.
Next year, we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the association," explains Bastien Isaia, the ASSP president since 2017. In its early days, the association focused on a limited number of sports, such as skiing, football, basketball, and volleyball.
The ASSP has since diversified its offerings, now providing 16 different disciplines.
Football remains the most popular section with three teams competing in various tournaments.
Padel, in particular, has gained significant traction, becoming one of the association's standout activities.
"We have triathlon, running, swimming, cycling, boxing, self-defense, volleyball, beach volleyball, pétanque, basketball, handball..." enumerates Isaia.
This variety allows officers to engage in activities that suit their personal interests and fit their often irregular schedules.
The ASSP emphasizes the importance of sports as a unifying force among police personnel.
Isaia states, "In the workplace, there is a hierarchy.
In sports, rank does not exist.
Everyone addresses each other informally.
A commander will address an agent informally, and vice versa." This characteristic fosters strong relationships among different services within the Monaco police force, facilitating communication and cooperation among colleagues.
An emblematic event for the ASSP is U Giru de Natale, a running competition held annually during the festive period.
Established in 1995, this race has become a significant fixture on the Monegasque calendar.
The event is open to all, which Isaia highlights as particularly important.
The race route, which includes the famous Formula 1 circuit and passes by the Palace Square, provides participants a unique experience.
Originally attracting 200 runners, the event now draws thousands, including many Italian participants who travel specifically for the occasion.
The ASSP incorporates a charitable dimension into U Giru de Natale, selecting a different organization to support each year.
Past beneficiaries have included the Princess Charlene Foundation, Monaco Liver Disorder (MLD) for sick children, and organizations promoting organ donation, among others.
The ASSP typically donates €2,000 to the chosen charity annually.
The association is also recognized for its performance in international competitions.
Teams regularly compete in events organized by the European Police Sports Union (USPE) and the International Police Sports Union (USIP).
Recent accolades include winning the French corporate champions title in padel in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and competing successfully in beach volleyball and handball championships.
Some members of the ASSP have been received by Prince Albert II at the Prince’s Palace in recognition of their achievements.
In anticipation of its 40th anniversary, the ASSP is planning an ambitious project: to host the first European padel competition under the auspices of the USPE.
Isaia describes this challenge as an interesting endeavor and a first for Europe, showcasing the association's aspirations to extend its influence beyond Monacan borders while reflecting the dynamic leadership of its entirely volunteer executive team.
Furthermore, the ASSP aims to strengthen ties between the police force and the Monegasque community.
Events like U Giru de Natale and participation in local championships offer police officers a chance to present a different facet of their roles.
Isaia notes, "We already have very good relations with the public.
I think it is more about maintaining the image we already have."
The ASSP's executive board consists of eight members with diverse profiles, contributing to the association's vitality.
"We have two retirees who lend elegance and experience: Éric and Pascal," details Isaia.
The team also includes active female member Lara, alongside two high-level athletes, both named Guillaume.
The team is rounded out by Frédéric Ristorto, the General Secretary known for his methodical approach, and Guillaume Millot, the treasurer noted for his skills in external relations, who works as a Brigadier in the Maritime Police.
Isaia emphasizes that the combination of members from different services, united for their colleagues, fosters a relationship built on trust, essential for both team cohesion and operational efficiency.
