Excitement Builds for the 29th Fair Play Menarini International Award Ceremony in Florence

Anticipation for the 29th Fair Play Menarini International Award

The Fair Play Menarini Foundation has announced the sports legends who will be honored at the upcoming 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award, scheduled for July 2 and 3 in Florence and Fiesole, Italy. This event aims to celebrate excellence in sportsmanship, ethics, and loyalty, bringing together inspiring figures from a wide array of sports.

Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), emphasized the significance of fair play, stating, "Fair play is an essential principle in sports and life; it serves as a cornerstone for building a better society and educating future generations." The Fair Play Menarini International Award shines as a beacon of this value, going beyond competitive results to honor what truly matters in sportsmanship.

The 2025 ceremony will feature remarkable athletes from various disciplines. Among the notable awardees is Gianmarco Tamberi, the World High Jump Champion and Olympic gold medalist, along with athletes like Nadia Battocletti, who earned a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Games, and Blanka Vlasic, a two-time World Champion in high jump. The representation from athletics continues with Andy Diaz, a bronze medalist in the triple jump at the Paris 2024 Games, and Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, who claimed gold in discus throw at last year’s Paralympic Games.

Football will also have a powerful presence, as Demetrio Albertini, a World and European vice-champion with the Italian national team, will be recognized. Moreover, the tradition of fencing will be celebrated by Arianna Errigo, who is considered one of the greatest foil fencers with an impressive record of ten world titles and multiple Olympic medals. The world of archery will be represented by Paola Fantato, a Paralympic champion with eight medals in five different editions.

Adding to the excitement in basketball, Sasha Vujacic, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, will take the stage. In recognition of exceptional journalism in sports, Guido Meda, the iconic voice of MotoGP, will also receive an award at this year’s event.

Additionally, three young talents, Nicola Nardo, Michele Vivalda, and Alessandro Bugli, were honored with the "Young Athletes" Fair Play Menarini Award for their outstanding displays of sportsmanship during the press conference at CONI.

The unveiling of this year’s awardees sets the stage for the upcoming events, with the Special Fiamme Gialle “Study and Sport” Award being presented on June 26 in Florence. The breathtaking city, known as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, will also host the traditional gala dinner on the evening of July 2 at the scenic Piazzale Michelangelo, offering an extraordinary backdrop for this celebratory occasion.

The award ceremony will take place on the evening of July 3 at the historic Roman Theatre in Fiesole, an ancient gem that encapsulates the rich history and culture of the region. This edition will be presented in partnership with Sky TG24, ensuring extensive coverage of the event. The engaging evening will be hosted by Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, alongside renowned host Federico Buffa.

The excitement surrounding the Fair Play Menarini International Award lies not just in honoring these champions but in promoting the deep values of sports—integrity, loyalty, and commitment. Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, board members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation, noted, “Listening to the stories of these champions and revisiting their sporting achievements will present a unique opportunity to celebrate the fundamental values that sport represents.”

As anticipation builds, partnering institutions such as the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale illustrate the collaborative spirit of the initiative, alongside sponsors including Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent.

For updates and details about the awardees and events, visit the official website Fair Play Menarini and follow their social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for an immersive experience leading up to the celebrations.

This year’s award ceremony promises to be a memorable celebration of sportsmanship, connecting generations through inspiring stories and the essential principles that define athletics.