On June 11th, the Fair Play Menarini Foundation launched the 29th Fair Play Menarini International Award at CONI’s Honor Hall, announcing this year’s winners – athletes who exemplify fairness, respect, and integrity in sport.

The awards ceremony will take place on July 3rd at the Roman Theatre in Fiesole, with track and field athletes featuring prominently. Winners include Gianmarco Tamberi, high jump world champion in Budapest 2023 and Olympic gold medalist in Tokyo 2021; Nadia Battocletti, silver medalist in the 10,000m at Paris 2024; and Blanka Vlašić, two-time world high jump champion with Olympic silver from Beijing 2008 and bronze from Rio 2016.

Also honored are Andy Díaz, Olympic bronze medalist and current world indoor triple jump champion, and Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, who won discus gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Italian football legend Demetrio Albertini, who reached both the World Cup and European Championship finals with the Azzurri, will be among the honorees. From fencing comes Arianna Errigo, whose remarkable career includes 10 world championships, four Olympic medals, and five World Cup titles. 

Fresh from her golden triumph at Paris 2024, judoka Alice Bellandi joins the distinguished group alongside NBA champion Sasha Vujačić, while the media world is represented by Guido Meda, Italy’s beloved MotoGP commentator.

The Foundation also recognized rising stars at the June 11th event, awarding the Fair Play Menarini “Young Athletes” Prize to three promising athletes – Nicola Nardo, Michele Vivalda and Alessandro Bugli – for their outstanding sportsmanship.

The celebration extends across several events: Florence will host the Fiamme Gialle “Study and Sport” Special Prize on June 26th, with a gala dinner scheduled for July 2nd at Piazzale Michelangelo. The main ceremony concludes the 29th edition on July 3rd at the stunning Roman Theatre in Fiesole.

Sky TG24 will cover the event as media partner, with hosting duties handled by Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano and Omar Schillaci, featuring renowned sports storyteller Federico Buffa.

Foundation Board members Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli view the awards as transformative: “These champions share powerful stories and defining moments that shaped them into role models. By celebrating their journeys, we help people rediscover what sport truly means. These athletes demonstrate that success is built on integrity and dedication, values we must pass on to future generations.”

CONI President Giovanni Malagò reinforces this vision: “Fair play isn’t just a sporting principle, it shapes better societies and guides our youth. For 29 years, this award has showcased these values that define who we are. We honor more than victories; we celebrate character. Italy’s fair play tradition began with Eugenio Monti at the 1964 Innsbruck Games, where his selfless acts earned him the first-ever Pierre de Coubertin World Fair Play Trophy. This award keeps that noble tradition alive.”