The 2024 Fair Play Menarini Award: celebrating values and inspiration

The Fair Play Menarini International Award continued to shine a light on sporting excellence in 2024, celebrating athletes and sports figures who exemplify the core values of ethics, loyalty, and respect

From July to November, Florence and Fiesole hosted a series of events, including the “Fair Play Menarini – Champions Tell Their Stories” talk show, honoring those who inspire future generations in competition and beyond.

Let’s review their 2024, exploring not only their achievements, but also the life lessons they left us, reminding us that sport is a powerful tool for building a fairer, more united world.

Fabio Cannavaro, Giancarlo Antognoni, Ciro Ferrara

The year’s honorees included Italian soccer legend Fabio Cannavaro, who received the “Role Model for Youth” Paolo Rossi Special Prize after successfully leading Udinese to Italy’s top division, Serie A. Cesare Prandelli, recognized in the “Sport and Life” category, continued his impactful work as head coach of the Italian Charity National Team, leading initiatives to support society’s most vulnerable. 

In the “Legendary Figure” category, Samuel Eto’o’s contributions to African football development flourished in his role as president of the Cameroon Football Federation.

 

Samuel Eto’o

 

The Paris Olympics marked 2024’s sporting pinnacle, with numerous Fair Play Menarini Ambassadors competing and excelling in the French capital.

Ambra Sabatini

Ambra Sabatini, winner in the “Sport Beyond Sport” category, had a remarkable journey throughout the year. The Livorno sprinter claimed silver in the 60m T63 at the Italian Paralympic indoor championships and was honored to carry Italy’s flag at the Paralympic opening ceremony.

Though she missed out on a medal in Paris after stumbling near the finish line in the T63 100-meter final, this setback only strengthened her resolve. Sabatini’s resilience shone through as she partnered with former world champion Fabrizio Mori as her coach, setting her sights on Los Angeles 2028.

 

Honored in the “Tenacity and Fair Play” category, Roberto Rigali made his mark in sprint events and the 4×100 meters relay. His crucial performance at the world qualifications in Nassau helped secure Italy’s Olympic relay spot with a second-place finish behind the United States. He also impressed at the European Championships, clocking 10.36 seconds in his 100-meter semifinal.

 

The Talk Show “Fair Play Menarini – Champions Tell their Stories”

 

The Olympics showcased exceptional performances from other Fair Play Menarini recipients: Ekaterina Antropova led the women’s national volleyball team to gold, Andy Diaz claimed bronze in the triple jump, and Paralympic athlete Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy not only won gold but set a new discus throw record. All three shared their inspiring stories at the November 30 “Fair Play Menarini – Champions Tell Their Stories” talk show in Florence.

Andrea Zorzi, Rachele Sangiuliano, Ekaterina Antropova

The event, hosted by Rachele Sangiuliano, Omar Schillaci, Michele Cagiano, and Alessandro Acton, featured an impressive roster of speakers.

These included Inter Milan’s current vice-president and 2023’s “Legendary Figure” category winner Javier Zanetti, London 2012 triple jump bronze medalist and Andy Diaz’s coach Fabrizio Donato, ACF Fiorentina favorite Borja Valero, two-time volleyball world champion and 2010 Fair Play Menarini Award recipient Andrea Zorzi, Vancouver 2010 Olympic slalom champion Giuliano Razzoli (Fair Play Menarini Ambassador since 2011), and journalist Federico Buffa, who received the “Narrating Emotions” Franco Lauro Special Prize category in 2024.

 

Valeria Speroni Cardi (board member of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation), Javier Zanetti, Filippo Paganelli (board member of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation)

 

Beyond the Olympic arena, many Ambassadors continue to shape sports through leadership roles. Clemente Russo, recognized in the “Promotion of Sport” category, nurtures young boxing talent as technical director of the Fiamme Azzurre sports group. Gian Paolo Montali, winner in the “A Lifetime for Sport” category, builds on his successful career after serving as General Director of the 2023 Ryder Cup, which transformed Italian golf.

Former competitors Ciro Ferrara (“Fair Play as a Life Model” category) and Giuseppe Dossena (“Sport and Team Spirit” category) remain influential as respected commentators and pundits. Cesare Fiorio, honored in the “Sport and Courage” category and former sporting director of Fiat, Lancia, and Ferrari, continues to provide valuable insights into Italian motorsport.

Federico Buffa, Marco Belinelli

Currently active player Marco Belinelli, Virtus Bologna’s basketball star and winner of the “Italy in the World” category in 2024, maintains his exceptional form.

Despite falling to Olimpia Milano in the championship final, he led his team to top the regular season standings and earned the Italian league MVP title, enhancing Bologna’s reputation both nationally and in European competition.

 

Francesca Lollobrigida

In winter sports, Francesca Lollobrigida, recognized in the “Social Values of Sport” category, continued her remarkable streak of success: at the European Championships in Heerenveen, she claimed bronze in the mass start event – her seventh European medal. After the ceremony, she celebrated on the podium with her seven-month-old son Tommaso – a symbolic moment embodying the transmission of sporting values to the next generation.