The 29th Fair Play Menarini International Award is set to take place on July 2nd and 3rd in Florence and Fiesole, Italy, and the excitement surrounding the event is palpable. Today, at a presentation held in the esteemed hall of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), notable athletes were announced as this year’s awardees by the Fair Play Menarini Foundation.
These exceptional individuals, who have demonstrated ethics, loyalty, and respect across various sports, will join forces with Fair Play Menarini to advocate for values that make sports a vital drive for the development of younger generations. Giovanni Malagò, the President of CONI, emphasized the crucial role of fair play in both sports and life, stating, "It establishes the foundation upon which we can build a better society and educate young generations."
The Fair Play Menarini International Award, celebrating its 29th edition, strives to convey the true essence of this concept, deeply rooted in our identity. Malagò reflected proudly on Italy’s sporting heritage tied to fair play, recalling Eugenio Monti’s historic gesture during the Innsbruck Games in 1964, which earned him the Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy for fair play, the first athlete to do so.
Athletics is particularly well represented this year, featuring a star-studded lineup. World High Jump Champion Gianmarco Tamberi, who triumphed at the Budapest 2023 Championships and the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, will be in attendance. Additionally, silver medalist Nadia Battocletti from the Paris 2024 Olympics and the high jump legend Blanka Vlasic, a two-time world champion and multiple Olympic medalist, are among the honored guests.
Other commendable athletes include triple jump sensation Andy Diaz, the bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Games, and Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, the Discus champion at last year's Paralympic Games. Football will be represented by Demetrio Albertini, a World and Euro Cup runner-up with the Italian national team. Leading fencer Arianna Errigo, one of the greatest foilists in history with ten world titles and four Olympic medals, will also grace the stage.
Moreover, Paola Fantato, an archer with a remarkable career including eight Paralympic medals, will connect with the audience, alongside judoka Alice Bellandi, who captured gold at the recent Olympics. Basketball fans will be thrilled to see Sasha Vujacic, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, recognized for his achievements, while Guido Meda, a prominent MotoGP commentator beloved by Italian audiences, will receive the award for sports journalism this year.
Alongside these renowned champions are young talents Nicola Nardo, Michele Vivalda, and Alessandro Bugli, who were distinguished with the "Young Athletes" Fair Play Menarini Award, recognizing outstanding sporting performances among the younger generation. The press conference also highlighted the upcoming Special Fiamme Gialle “Study and Sport” Award ceremony set for June 26 in Florence.
The traditional gala dinner on Wednesday, July 2, will provide a unique experience against the scenic backdrop of the Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday evening, July 3, in the Roman Theatre of Fiesole, a historical venue dating back over a thousand years. The collaboration between the Fair Play Menarini International Award and Sky TG24 will continue this year, ensuring extensive coverage of the event. The ceremony will be hosted by Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, alongside journalist Federico Buffa, who will engage the audience with their insights.
Board members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation, Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, shared, "Hearing the stories of these champions, discovering the actions that have made them role models, and reliving their athletic achievements will be an extraordinary opportunity to promote the deeper meaning of sports. We hope that the integrity and accomplishments of these outstanding athletes will transmit the fundamental values of loyalty and commitment that sport continues to embody to future generations."
The Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale serves as a key institutional partner for this year’s event, while sponsors including Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent support this initiative. To learn more about the participants, relive the most exciting moments, and stay updated on all the news, visit the official website at
www.fairplaymenarini.com and follow the award's social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.