FLORENCE, 3 July 2025 – There is one day every summer when sport showcases its very best side and values and that is the day of the Fair Play Menarini International Award. Following on from the opening gala dinner, which brought athletes and Ambassadors together in one of Florence’s most iconic locations, Piazzale Michelangelo, the 29th edition reaches its most exciting moment with the official Award ceremony.
“Fiesole is honoured to welcome the Fair Play Menarini International Award again this year, an event that unites beauty, culture, and sport under the banner of peace – said Cristina Scaletti, Mayor of Fiesole – Fair play is much more than just a sporting rule: it is a universal language that teaches us to respect one other, listen to each other and build a civil and harmonious coexistence. In a historical moment in which dialogue is fundamental, celebrating these values in the heart of our community is an act of great significance. These are the same principles that inspire Fiesole’s candidacy as the Italian Capital of Culture 2028 ”.
This evening, starting at 8:30 p.m., the Roman Theatre will welcome the 2025 awardees. Leading the line-up will be the flagbearers for Italy at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Gianmarco Tamberi and Arianna Errigo, two of the most beloved sports personalities in Italian sport: Tamberi, Olympic gold medallist in Tokyo and world champion in high jump; and Errigo, a fencing phenomenon. Taking the stage will be a truly outstanding footballer and Ballon d’Or winner Luis Figo, former star of the Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan teams. Joining Figo will be fellow players Billy Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini, two legendary names in the AC Milan and Italian national teams, as well as examples of loyalty and tactical skill. Among the other awardees is Sasha Vujacic, two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, a model of dedication and team spirit. Athletics shall also be represented by Andy Diaz, triple jump specialist, Olympic bronze medallist and indoor world champion, and Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, Paralympic gold medallist in the discus throw at the Paris Olympic Games. Completing the line-up are Alice Bellandi, judo world champion and Olympic gold medallist; Nadia Battocletti, Olympic silver medallist in the 10.000 metres in Paris; the legendary Blanka Vlasic, high jump icon; and Guido Meda, the historic voice of MotoGP and celebrated sports journalist.
Adding a truly special touch to this year’s edition will be given by the presence of three Fair Play Menarini Ambassadors: Ian Thorpe, five-time Olympic swimming champion and global sports legend, Giancarlo Antognoni, a paragon of elegance and integrity on the football pitch, and Fabrizio Donato, winner of the triple jump bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. As past recipients and Ambassadors of the Award, they now attest the values that inspire the Award and its mission.
The Awards ceremony will be broadcast live on Sky TG24, and the evening will be hosted by Rachele Sangiuliano, Federica Lodi, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, who, together with journalist Federico Buffa, will guide the audience through an exciting journey of the values of sport and the stories that lie behind them.
“We are looking forward to this evening’s Award ceremony, a very special moment when we celebrate not only the achievements of these great champions but, above all, their extraordinary sporting ethics – said Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, Board Members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation – We hope the stories of these remarkable athletes will serve as a source of inspiration to the younger generations and guide them in their choices in life ”.
The ceremony is free and open to the public, with prior registration on TicketOne (link).
The 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award is supported by the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale as Institutional Partner, and by Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent as initiative partners.
