When a young athlete intentionally misses a penalty kick they consider unfairly awarded, or they own up to a mistake that might have gone unnoticed, knowing that this will cost them the victory, or they interrupt a match to calm the tensions amongst the crowds, then they are writing a very special chapter in sporting history, and not only. The Fair Play Menarini International Award acknowledges not just some of the greatest champions in sport, but also young athletes like these for their commendable and courageous actions.

It is this very special connection between well-known sporting legends and budding young athletes of tomorrow, that will be the leitmotif of the official press conference to be held on Wednesday, June 11th, at the Hall of Honour of the Italian National Olympic Committee headquarters in Rome. On this occasion, the names of the awardees of the Fair Play Menarini International Award 2025 will be revealed:  world famous sports icons who will take centre stage during the two days of the Awards in Florence on the 2nd of July and in Fiesole on the 3rd.

But that’s not all: in the presence of CONI President, Giovanni Malagò, trophies will also be conferred to the winners of this year’s “Young Athletes” Fair Play Menarini Award, shining a light on some of the most admirable gestures shown by members of the younger generations.  

The first of this year’s three young role models is Nicola Nardo, goalkeeper of the Ponte San Nicolò team (Padua). During a heated provincial youth league match, Nicola was able to silence the crowds with an act of maturity and courage: amidst shouting and insults between fans on the sidelines, Nicola ran over to warn them that, if they failed to calm down, he and his teammates would walk off the pitch.

Nicola Nardo

Equally notable was the gesture of Michele Vivalda, from the Sci Club Sestriere. During the “Pinocchio sugli Sci” trophy, Michele clocked the best time in the special slalom but, at the end of his run, he realised that he had missed a gate. Even if the race director had failed to notice his mistake, Michele promptly brought it his attention, fully aware that this would lead to him being disqualified.

Michele Vivalda

Another laudable act of fair play was shown by a young footballer from the Sales Firenze team, Alessandro Bugli, when he decided to deliberately miss a penalty kick as he felt that this had been erroneously assigned to his team. Even though his side was behind by one goal, Alessandro decided to put an end to any controversy by  kicking the ball off the pitch.

Alessandro Bugli

“These young athletes attest how fairness, loyalty, and respect for the rules are universal values, valid at every level and in every discipline – said Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, Board Members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation – In their gestures of fair play, we see the same noble-mindedness that distinguishes the sporting legends we acknowledge each year”.

Following on from the press conference at the CONI headquarters, the 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award, staged in partnership with Sky TG24, will continue on June 26th with the Special Fiamme Gialle “Study and Sport” Award in Florence and the two days of the grand finale of the official Awards ceremony in Florence and Fiesole on 2 and 3 July, respectively.

“Young Athletes” Fair Play Menarini Award winners