Wednesday, June 5, at the Salone d’Onore of CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee), a press conference was held to present the 28th edition of the International Fair Play Menarini Award. During the conference, the names of this year’s winners were revealed: champions and championesses who, throughout their sports careers, have embodied the values of ethics, loyalty, and respect.

The world of football is represented by a talented group of individuals, including Fabio Cannavaro, the renowned Ballon d’Or winner and captain of Italy’s historic 2006 World Cup-winning team. Additionally, Cesare Prandelli, the vice-European champion coach of Italy’s national team in 2012, is also part of this esteemed group. Other notable figures include Alessandro Costacurta, a stalwart defender who helped Italy finish as vice-world champions under Sacchi in 1994; Ciro Ferrara, who achieved third place at the 1990 World Cup and vice-European champion in 2000; and Giuseppe Dossena, a midfielder who was part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning team.

For the indoor disciplines, the award is given to Marco Belinelli, the first and only Italian to win the NBA basketball championship, and Gian Paolo Montali, the former technical commissioner of the Italian men’s national volleyball team, which has won the European championship twice. Francesca Lollobrigida, an Olympic silver medalist in speed skating, represents the winter sports. In track and field, Ambra Sabatini, a Paralympic champion and world record holder in the 100-meter dash, and Roberto Rigali, the vice-world champion in the 4×100-meter relay, are recognized for their achievements.

The winners of this year’s edition include also Cesare Fiorio, a legendary figure in motor racing; the multiple medal-winning boxer Clemente Russo; and the journalist and sportscaster Federico Buffa, with his vibrant narration.

Among the esteemed Ambassadors of Fair Play Menarini, who have been featured in previous editions and will attend the two-day event in July, are Federica Pellegrini, known as ‘Divina’, the outstanding fencer Elisa Di Francisca, the iconic footballer Giancarlo Antognoni, journalist Giorgio Porrà, and Giusy Versace, the first Italian to compete in running with bilateral amputation.

During the press conference in Rome, the winners of the Fair Play Youth Award were also recognized: Nicolò Vacchelli, Gioele Gallicchio, and the Under 14 female ASD Golfosport team from Alcamo.

To learn more about their stories, read our article: Exemplary sportsmanship and respect for opponents: young champions shine at the Fair Play Menarini International Award on June 5th at CONI

Marking the continuation of attention towards new generations, on June 17th, in Florence, will be assigned also the Fiamme Gialle ‘Study and Sport’ Special Award.

The upcoming events include a gala dinner on July 3rd at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, followed by the award ceremony at the Roman Theater in Fiesole on July 4th. Sky TG24 will be a partner for the event, and Rachele Sangiuliano and Omar Schillaci will host the final evening. The concluding show will be broadcast on TV Sportitalia the following day.

“The 28th edition of the International Fair Play Menarini Award is a significant event that embodies the values of ‘fair play’, the foundation of the sports world”, states Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, expressing his gratitude to the Fair Play Menarini Foundation for its dedication and commitment in a video message.

The members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation Board, including Antonello Biscini, Valeria Speroni Cardi, and Ennio Troiano, emphasized the importance of welcoming the award winners and Ambassadors of the Fair Play Menarini Award: “This event provides a unique opportunity to rediscover the true essence of sports, which is to surpass one’s limits and give the utmost effort in respect of the opponent and oneself. We hope that the exemplary actions and behaviors of these champions will instill healthy sports values in the younger generation.”