#Italy #Florence #Fair Play #Menarini Award

The 29th Fair Play Menarini International Award Kicks Off in Florence

On July 2, 2025, the highly anticipated 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award officially opens its doors in Florence, Italy. This prestigious event goes beyond mere medals and records; it emphasizes the importance of actions, choices, and ethical conduct in sports. It celebrates athletes who transform their careers into lessons of loyalty, respect, and sportsmanship.

The cities of Florence and Fiesole are hosting a two-day celebration dedicated to the core values of sports. The opening event took place in the breathtaking Piazzale Michelangelo, where a gala dinner welcomed the award recipients amidst an electrifying atmosphere. Attendees were reminded of the values that have always inspired the Fair Play Menarini Award.

"This edition of the Fair Play Menarini Award will once again honor the values of sports and its champions," remarked Florence's mayor, Sara Funaro. She stressed that these values extend beyond athletic abilities to encompass commitment, resilience, empathy, and teamwork. Funaro highlighted the importance of these principles in cultivating a society that is increasingly attentive and respectful of one another. Moreover, she noted that the Fair Play Menarini Award serves as a vital reminder of how sports function as a catalyst for growth and inclusion.

As anticipation builds for the awards ceremony scheduled for tomorrow night, July 3rd, in the Roman theatre of Fiesole, the public is eager to applaud the awardees and listen to their inspirational stories that reflect the true essence of sports. The athletes in this 29th edition come from diverse backgrounds and sporting disciplines, yet they are united by their commitment to embody fair play in every endeavor.

Among the notable honorees this year is Luis Figo, a renowned Portuguese soccer star and a former Ballon d'Or winner, celebrated for his time with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. Representing the world of soccer are icons like Billy Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini, who have exemplified style, discipline, and sporting integrity throughout their careers with AC Milan and the Italian national team. The athletics segment is well-represented by Gianmarco Tamberi, who recently won the world championship in high jump, alongside Blanka Vlasic, a two-time world champion, and others like Andy Diaz and Nadia Battocletti.

The fencing spotlight shines on Arianna Errigo, one of the most decorated foil fencers, while judo honors Alice Bellandi, the newly crowned world champion. Basketball will be represented by Sasha Vujacic, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. In the Paralympic domain, Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, the gold medalist in discus throw from the 2024 Paralympic Games, is recognized. Moreover, the sports journalism field acknowledges Guido Meda, the legendary voice of MotoGP and passionate storyteller.

Alongside this year's awardees stand three Fair Play Menarini Ambassadors, legendary figures in the sports community who have penned unforgettable chapters in the history of sports. They include Ian Thorpe, a five-time Olympic swimming champion; Giancarlo Antognoni, an icon of the Fiorentina football team and 1982 World Cup winner; and Fabrizio Donato, bronze medalist in triple jump at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

This year sees the continued partnership with Sky TG24, where viewers will be guided by hosts Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, along with their colleague Federico Buffa. The storytelling will highlight the ethics, passion, and extraordinary feats of the award-winning athletes.

"With the 2025 Fair Play Menarini International Award, we seek to continue advocating for the highest values in sports, showcasing an aspect of it that is not only comforting but also serves as a role model for society," stated board members Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli from the Fair Play Menarini Foundation. They emphasized this event as an opportunity to honor athletes who, through their fair-play gestures, chose to become models for others, both in sport and life.

Attendance at the awards ceremony is free and open to the public, provided they register in advance via TicketOne. The 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award is supported by the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale as an institutional partner, along with Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent as partners of the initiative.

To follow the award's protagonists, relive their most thrilling moments, and stay updated on the latest news, visit the official website fairplaymenarini.com and the award's social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.