The 2026 honorees represent a broad spectrum of athletic discipline and resilience. The list includes pole vaulting record-breaker Armand Duplantis, race walker Antonella Palmisano, and basketball standout Achille Polonara. Paralympic stars Bebe Vio and Chiara Mazzel join the ranks, alongside high-profile figures such as swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri, fencer Daniele Garozzo, and volleyball player Simone Anzani. The gala also celebrates a historic return to form for Italian skating, honoring the Olympic gold-medal team pursuit trio of Davide Ghiotto, Michele Malfatti, and Andrea Giovannini.
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Florence Celebrates Three Decades of Sporting Ethics
Piazzale Michelangelo sets the stage tonight for the 30th Fair Play Menarini International Award, a two-day celebration honoring athletes who prioritize integrity and loyalty alongside their professional victories. The event shifts tomorrow to the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, where a new class of champions will receive their recognition.
Beyond current competitors, the ceremony bridges generations by featuring football icons Diego Milito, Emilio Butragueño, and Gianfranco Zola. Reflecting on the anniversary, the Fair Play Menarini Foundation board noted that the project’s original mission—placing human character at the center of competition—remains the core objective three decades later. The ceremony will be broadcast on Sky channels 501 and 257, with hosts Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci guiding the presentation.
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