The Heart of Sportsmanship: Celebrating Fair Play and New Champions
June 12, 2025, 5:36 am
Location: United States, Louisiana, Metairie
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1946
In the world of sports, where competition reigns supreme, the essence of fair play often shines the brightest. The Fair Play Menarini International Award stands as a beacon of this principle, celebrating athletes who embody integrity, respect, and loyalty. This year, the anticipation is palpable as the 29th edition of the award approaches, set to take place in the historic cities of Florence and Fiesole on July 2nd and 3rd.
The Fair Play Menarini Foundation recently unveiled the names of this year’s awardees at a press conference held at the Hall of Honour of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). The event was a vibrant tapestry of stories, showcasing athletes from diverse disciplines who have made significant contributions to the spirit of sportsmanship. These champions are not just winners; they are role models, guiding the younger generation towards a future where ethics in sports is paramount.
Giovanni Malagò, the President of CONI, emphasized the importance of fair play as a cornerstone of both sports and society. He recalled the legacy of Eugenio Monti, the first athlete to receive the Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy for fair play. Monti’s selfless act during the 1964 Innsbruck Games serves as a timeless reminder of the values that this award seeks to promote. The Fair Play Menarini International Award is more than a recognition of athletic prowess; it is a celebration of character and integrity.
This year’s lineup of awardees is nothing short of stellar. Athletics takes center stage with Gianmarco Tamberi, the world high jump champion, and Nadia Battocletti, who recently clinched silver in the 10,000 meters at the Paris 2024 Games. The high jump legend Blanka Vlasic, along with triple jump star Andy Diaz, also join the ranks of honorees. Their achievements resonate beyond medals; they embody the spirit of fair play.
Football fans will recognize Demetrio Albertini, a stalwart of the Italian National Azzurri team, while the fencing community will celebrate Arianna Errigo, a titan in foil with a staggering record of ten world titles. The world of archery will be represented by Paola Fantato, a Paralympic champion with eight medals to her name. Each of these athletes brings a unique story, a narrative woven with threads of perseverance and sportsmanship.
The Fair Play Menarini Award also honors the younger generation. Nicola Nardo, Michele Vivalda, and Alessandro Bugli received the "Young Athletes" Fair Play Menarini Award for their outstanding acts of sportsmanship. Their recognition is a testament to the foundation’s commitment to nurturing the values of fair play in youth sports. These young athletes are the future, and their actions today will inspire tomorrow’s champions.
The event is not just about awards; it’s a celebration of community and shared values. The gala dinner on July 2nd at Piazzale Michelangelo promises to be a night of reflection and inspiration, set against the backdrop of Florence’s breathtaking skyline. The award ceremony on July 3rd at the Roman Theatre in Fiesole will be a culmination of stories, achievements, and the spirit of fair play.
The partnership with Sky TG24 ensures that the stories of these remarkable athletes reach a wider audience. The hosts, including Rachele Sangiuliano and Michele Cagiano, will guide the audience through an evening filled with emotion and celebration. Their presence adds a layer of excitement, turning the event into a memorable experience for all attendees.
As the Fair Play Menarini International Award approaches, the anticipation builds. The stories of these champions will resonate long after the final applause. They remind us that sports are not just about winning; they are about building character, fostering respect, and promoting integrity. The values of fair play are essential in a world that often prioritizes victory over virtue.
In a time when the sports landscape is often marred by controversies and ethical dilemmas, the Fair Play Menarini International Award serves as a refreshing reminder of what truly matters. It champions the idea that the spirit of competition can coexist with respect and camaraderie. The athletes honored this year are not just champions in their respective fields; they are ambassadors of a movement that seeks to redefine success in sports.
As we look forward to the celebrations in Florence and Fiesole, let us remember the core message of the Fair Play Menarini International Award: that sportsmanship is the heart of athletics. It is a call to action for all athletes, young and old, to embrace the values of loyalty, respect, and integrity. In doing so, we can create a legacy that transcends generations, ensuring that the spirit of fair play continues to thrive in the world of sports.
The Fair Play Menarini International Award is not just an event; it is a movement. A movement that champions the best of humanity through the lens of sports. As the world watches, let us celebrate these remarkable athletes and the values they represent.
The Fair Play Menarini Foundation recently unveiled the names of this year’s awardees at a press conference held at the Hall of Honour of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). The event was a vibrant tapestry of stories, showcasing athletes from diverse disciplines who have made significant contributions to the spirit of sportsmanship. These champions are not just winners; they are role models, guiding the younger generation towards a future where ethics in sports is paramount.
Giovanni Malagò, the President of CONI, emphasized the importance of fair play as a cornerstone of both sports and society. He recalled the legacy of Eugenio Monti, the first athlete to receive the Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy for fair play. Monti’s selfless act during the 1964 Innsbruck Games serves as a timeless reminder of the values that this award seeks to promote. The Fair Play Menarini International Award is more than a recognition of athletic prowess; it is a celebration of character and integrity.
This year’s lineup of awardees is nothing short of stellar. Athletics takes center stage with Gianmarco Tamberi, the world high jump champion, and Nadia Battocletti, who recently clinched silver in the 10,000 meters at the Paris 2024 Games. The high jump legend Blanka Vlasic, along with triple jump star Andy Diaz, also join the ranks of honorees. Their achievements resonate beyond medals; they embody the spirit of fair play.
Football fans will recognize Demetrio Albertini, a stalwart of the Italian National Azzurri team, while the fencing community will celebrate Arianna Errigo, a titan in foil with a staggering record of ten world titles. The world of archery will be represented by Paola Fantato, a Paralympic champion with eight medals to her name. Each of these athletes brings a unique story, a narrative woven with threads of perseverance and sportsmanship.
The Fair Play Menarini Award also honors the younger generation. Nicola Nardo, Michele Vivalda, and Alessandro Bugli received the "Young Athletes" Fair Play Menarini Award for their outstanding acts of sportsmanship. Their recognition is a testament to the foundation’s commitment to nurturing the values of fair play in youth sports. These young athletes are the future, and their actions today will inspire tomorrow’s champions.
The event is not just about awards; it’s a celebration of community and shared values. The gala dinner on July 2nd at Piazzale Michelangelo promises to be a night of reflection and inspiration, set against the backdrop of Florence’s breathtaking skyline. The award ceremony on July 3rd at the Roman Theatre in Fiesole will be a culmination of stories, achievements, and the spirit of fair play.
The partnership with Sky TG24 ensures that the stories of these remarkable athletes reach a wider audience. The hosts, including Rachele Sangiuliano and Michele Cagiano, will guide the audience through an evening filled with emotion and celebration. Their presence adds a layer of excitement, turning the event into a memorable experience for all attendees.
As the Fair Play Menarini International Award approaches, the anticipation builds. The stories of these champions will resonate long after the final applause. They remind us that sports are not just about winning; they are about building character, fostering respect, and promoting integrity. The values of fair play are essential in a world that often prioritizes victory over virtue.
In a time when the sports landscape is often marred by controversies and ethical dilemmas, the Fair Play Menarini International Award serves as a refreshing reminder of what truly matters. It champions the idea that the spirit of competition can coexist with respect and camaraderie. The athletes honored this year are not just champions in their respective fields; they are ambassadors of a movement that seeks to redefine success in sports.
As we look forward to the celebrations in Florence and Fiesole, let us remember the core message of the Fair Play Menarini International Award: that sportsmanship is the heart of athletics. It is a call to action for all athletes, young and old, to embrace the values of loyalty, respect, and integrity. In doing so, we can create a legacy that transcends generations, ensuring that the spirit of fair play continues to thrive in the world of sports.
The Fair Play Menarini International Award is not just an event; it is a movement. A movement that champions the best of humanity through the lens of sports. As the world watches, let us celebrate these remarkable athletes and the values they represent.