POSTED: Sunday August 22nd 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco Praises Laser System

Prince Albert II of Monaco praised the innovative approach taken to modern pentathlon at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games on Saturday.

Prince Albert II of Monaco praised the innovative approach taken to modern pentathlon at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games on Saturday.

The Prince who is the UIPM Honorary President, visited the Singapore Sports School to watch the women's individual event. He was particularly taken with the introduction of laser pistols, which have replaced traditional pellet-firing guns in the shoot/run event.

"I think the laser shooting is a great improvement to the sport, especially among young athletes," he said.

"They (young athletes) know how to handle guns, but to have a laser instead of an (air) gun will be easier in practical terms. They will also be easier to carry around, and to take on aeroplanes. It's the way of the future."

“I really believe that the lasers will increase the interest of the media and introduce a whole new generation of athletes to our sport. At the same time keeping Modern Pentathlon as the sport for the complete athlete as Pierre de Coubertin wished”

Another addition to the sport is the mixed relay event, to be held on Tuesday, in which teams comprising one girl and one boy will be drawn together based on athletes' results in the individual event.
"I've seen other mixed events, and here athletes really have an interest," he said.

"It means they don't always view each other as rivals, because you have to work together. And it's a great learning tool and a great way to integrate people."

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Keywords · HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco · Monaco · UIPM · Laser shooting · Modern Pentathlon · Youth Olympic Games

Name: Matt Pound
Organization: Union Internationale De Pentathlon Moderne - UIPM
Email:
Phone: +377 9777 8555
URL: http://www.pentathlon.org

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