FAIR PLAY MENARINI INTERNATIONAL AWARD: THE 30TH EDITION KICKS OFF
Florence has opened its doors to the 30th Fair Play Menarini International Award, a two-day event celebrating athletes who have distinguished themselves through sporting achievements and a commitment to respect, ethics, and loyalty. The traditional gala dinner at Piazzale Michelangelo marks the beginning of the festivities, which will culminate in an awards ceremony tomorrow at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.
This year's winners include Achille Polonara, who is recognized as a symbol of strength and resilience in Italian basketball; Antonella Palmisano, a prominent figure in race walking; and Armand Duplantis, known for redefining the sport of pole vaulting. They will join other notable figures such as Bebe Vio and Chiara Mazzel, celebrated for their determination and advocacy for inclusion in Paralympic sports. Additional awardees include Daniele Garozzo, Gregorio Paltrinieri, and Simone Anzani, along with the trio of Davide Ghiotto, Michele Malfatti, and Andrea Giovannini, who won Olympic gold in team pursuit speed skating after a two-decade hiatus. Football legends Diego Milito, Emilio Butragueño, and Gianfranco Zola will also feature prominently in the celebrations.
The evening will also honor past winners such as Antonio Rossi, Giancarlo Antognoni, Ian Thorpe, Sasha Vujačić, Giacomo Perini, and Andrea Zorzi, reaffirming the commitment to celebrating the values of sport.
Luca Lastrucci, Valeria Speroni Cardi, and Filippo Paganelli, members of the Board of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation, stated, "Thirty years ago, a project was born with the ambition of placing the values of sport at the center. Today, we can say that those very same ideas are more relevant than ever. Over the years, we have met extraordinary champions but, above all, exceptional human beings who have shown us that respecting the rules, opponents, and oneself represents the greatest success of all."
The ceremony will be hosted by Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, with Federico Buffa guiding the audience through significant stories in the world of sports. The 2026 Fair Play Menarini Award ceremony will be broadcast live on Sky, channels 501 and 257. Additional information about the award winners and event updates can be found on the official website www.fairplaymenarini.com and the Award's social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.