Fair Play Menarini Award Recognizes Young Heroes Displaying Integrity and Humanity in Sports

Celebrating Virtue in Sports: The 2026 Fair Play Menarini Award

The Fair Play Menarini International Award is set to honor three remarkable young athletes whose commendable actions embody the principles of integrity, loyalty, and solidarity in the world of sports. This year’s recipients are Alberto Belluzzi, Gloria Tinaburri, and Matteo Pasqualetti, each representing the essence of fair play through their inspiring stories.

Recognizing Those Who Choose Fairness Over Victory

On June 4, 2026, a press conference will be held at the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) in Rome, showcasing these young champions and their extraordinary experiences. Their narratives will align with those of global sports icons celebrated during the 30th Fair Play Menarini International Award ceremony scheduled for July 2 in Florence. This event stands as a testament to the values of sportsmanship that have been upheld for over three decades.

Alberto Belluzzi: A Lesson in Integrity

Alberto's journey began at the Italian Under-23 Championships in Caorle. During a fencing bout, he noticed an error where he had been wrongly granted an additional victory. Understanding the implications of this mistake, which risked eliminating his opponent from the next round, Alberto took the brave step of informing the officials about the oversight. This act of integrity not only corrected a course of unfairness but also highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship, as he prioritized what was just over personal glory.

Gloria Tinaburri: Compassion in Action

Equally compelling is the story of Gloria Tinaburri, who competed in the Endurance World Championships in France. Faced with an emergency situation, Gloria stopped her race to assist a fellow competitor who had suffered an injury following a fall. Displaying exceptional composure, she meticulously managed the situation for an extended forty minutes, providing comfort to the injured rider and ensuring the safety of the horses involved. Once the emergency was resolved, Gloria resumed her competition, embodying the very definition of compassion in sports.

Matteo Pasqualetti: Loyalty Above All

In the heat of the Under-13 volleyball finals, Matteo Pasqualetti exhibited an admirable sense of loyalty and fair play. During a critical juncture of the match, he selflessly admitted to a block touch that had escaped the referees' notice, choosing honesty over an advantageous position for his team. Matteo’s actions not only signify respect for the game but also showcase the core values propagated by the Fair Play Menarini Foundation.

Celebrating Values that Transcend Sports

The members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation, including Luca Lastrucci, Valeria Speroni Cardi, and Filippo Paganelli, praised the outstanding integrity and selflessness displayed by these young athletes. They emphasized that the spirit demonstrated by Alberto, Gloria, and Matteo mirrors the ethos of the Fair Play Menarini Award, which champions stories of legendary figures in global sports.

As the 30th edition of this prestigious award approaches, the celebration will culminate on July 2 at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence. This grand finale will not only honor the 2026 winners but will also highlight remarkable stories from the international sporting community.

By shining a light on these young champions, the Fair Play Menarini Award seeks to inspire future generations to embrace integrity and compassion within competitive arenas. As this event unfolds, it will remind us all that the true essence of sports lies beyond the victories, rooted instead in the values we uphold and the humanity we display.

Fair Play Menarini International Award