Gianni Taccetti, Valeria Speroni Cardi, Letizia Perini, Eugenio Giani, Margherita Voliani, Leonardo Mazzoni, Cristina Scaletti, Filippo Paganelli, Aldo De Donno
The 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award was unveiled at the press conference held on June 26th, 2025, in the distinguished Pegaso Hall at Palazzo Guadagni Strozzi Sacrati, home to the Tuscany Regional Government in Florence. The event also included the prestigious “Study and Sport” Fiamme Gialle Special Prize, assigned to young athletes who demonstrate exceptional achievement in both competitive sports and academic pursuits.
Distinguished attendees included Tuscany Regional President Eugenio Giani, Fiesole Mayor Cristina Scaletti, Florence Sports Commissioner Letizia Perini, and representatives from CONI Tuscany, the Fiamme Gialle, and the Fair Play Menarini Foundation.
«It’s our privilege to once again welcome the Fair Play Menarini Award to Tuscany, an event that honors more than athletic prowess but celebrates the enduring values of respect, integrity, and dedication», stated President of Tuscany Regional Government Eugenio Giani, emphasizing how this recognition uniquely bridges athletic and academic excellence. «Young talents Margherita Voliani, Leonardo Mazzoni, and Sara Mannini exemplify this dual commitment. Through sheer determination, they’ve mastered the art of balancing competitive sports with academic achievement, setting an inspiring example for the next generation. The historic cities of Florence and Fiesole, with their rich sporting and cultural traditions, provide the perfect backdrop for this celebration. Tuscany Region proudly champions initiatives that foster a future built on ethical principles, education, and merit.»
The main ceremonies will unfold July 2nd and 3rd across Florence and Fiesole, featuring an impressive lineup of international sports stars including high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi, distance runner Nadia Battocletti, former high jump champion Blanka Vlašić, triple jumper Andy Díaz, Paralympic athlete Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, football legend Demetrio Albertini, Olympic fencer Arianna Errigo, judoka Alice Bellandi, basketball player Sasha Vujačić, and motorsport commentator Guido Meda – all embodying the highest standards of sportsmanship and integrity.
Cristina Scaletti, Mayor of Fiesole, expressed pride in hosting the ceremony at the ancient Roman Theater, noting that «sport is culture in its truest form: a powerful expression of community identity and a language that transcends borders.» This perspective aligns perfectly with Fiesole’s bid to become the Italian Capital of Culture 2028. Florence’s Sports Commissioner Letizia Perini highlighted the event’s vital role in championing fair play principles that extend beyond the playing field, describing them as «a blueprint for harmonious living that applies to all aspects of society.»
The “Study and Sport” Fiamme Gialle Special Prize went to Margherita Voliani, a rising star in middle-distance running. The 20-year-old athlete from SSD Libertas Unicusano Livorno captured the Italian junior 5,000m title in 2023 and secured bronze in the 10,000m at this year’s U23 championships. Currently pursuing a degree in Biotechnology at the Elite University of Pisa (Scuola Normale), Voliani exemplifies excellence both on the track and in the classroom.
Fellow finalists Leonardo Mazzoni, a middle-distance running specialist, and rugby player Sara Mannini join Voliani as exceptional young athletes balancing sporting ambitions with academic goals. All three will receive training opportunities at the Italian Financial Police’s elite sports facility in Castelporziano, where they can further develop their athletic talents while continuing their education.
Foundation board members Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli underscored the award’s core mission: «The Fiamme Gialle “Study and Sport” Special Prize celebrates young people who successfully navigate the demands of both competitive sports and rigorous academics», they explained. «We want to showcase that this balance, while challenging, is achievable with dedication, composure, and integrity.»
The press conference also recognized key institutional support from CONI Tuscany, the Italian Financial Police Sports Division “Fiamme Gialle”, media partner Sky TG24, and corporate sponsors including Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, Adiacent, and the Institute for Sports and Cultural Credit as Institutional Partner.
The ceremonies will be expertly hosted by an accomplished lineup of presenters: Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, Omar Schillaci, and legendary sports narrator Federico Buffa. This dynamic team, alongside additional talented commentators, will weave together the triumphs and challenges of athletic excellence, creating a captivating narrative experience that brings the human stories behind these sporting achievements to life.