Celebrating 30 Years of Fair Play: Menarini International Award Kicks Off in Florence

30th Edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award

Florence, Italy, has become the focal point of sportsmanship as it welcomes the 30th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award. This illustrious event, which opens today, aims to honor not only athletic excellence but also the core values of respect, ethics, and loyalty within sports. The celebration kicks off with a grand gala dinner at the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo, setting the stage for two days dedicated to commending the fundamental principles that govern sportsmanship, culminating in an awards ceremony at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.

In 2026, the award recognizes notable talents such as Achille Polonara, a symbol of strength and resilience in Italian basketball, and Antonella Palmisano, an outstanding figure in race walking. Another highlight of this year’s event is Armand Duplantis, the pole vault star who continues to push boundaries in athletics. Their accomplishments will be celebrated alongside luminaries from the Paralympic world, including Bebe Vio and Chiara Mazzel, who embody determination and inclusivity in sports.

The event will also see appearances from Daniele Garozzo, an international fencing champion, and Gregorio Paltrinieri, a celebrated swimmer. The volleyball scene will not be left out, with Simone Anzani representing this dynamic sport. Notably, a trio of Italians, Davide Ghiotto, Michele Malfatti, and Andrea Giovannini, who recently brought home the Olympic gold medal in team pursuit speed skating after a two-decade hiatus, will also be honored. They will be joined by the renowned sports journalist Fabio Caressa, who will engage the audience with stories of triumph and resilience.

Football legends Diego Milito, Emilio Butragueño, and Gianfranco Zola will spice up the evening with their presence, as they represent the passionate world of football that has inspired fans across Europe. The Fair Play Menarini event is committed to revisiting previous award winners and celebrating their contributions to the sport. Notable past laureates include Antonio Rossi, Giancarlo Antognoni, Ian Thorpe, and Andrea Zorzi.

Luca Lastrucci, Valeria Speroni Cardi, and Filippo Paganelli, board members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation, shared the event's journey stating, "Thirty years ago, we initiated a project committed to placing the values of sports at the forefront. Today, these ideals resonate stronger than ever." They emphasize that beyond meeting extraordinary champions, the real legacy is revealed in their unwavering commitment to respect for rules, competitors, and themselves—an embodiment of true victory.

The captivating evening will be hosted by Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, with a special feature by Federico Buffa to explore some of the most inspiring sports stories.

Fans will be able to watch the Fair Play Menarini award ceremony live, as it will be broadcast across various platforms including Sky, on channels 501 and 257. To keep up with the winners and updates from this notable event, stay connected through www.fairplaymenarini.com and follow their official accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

As celebrations unfold in the historic beauty of Florence, the legacy of Fair Play continues to inspire future generations, reinforcing that sport is not only about winning but also about adherence to core values that uplift and unite us all.