Champions Gather in Florence for ‘Fair Play Menarini‘
It was an evening immersed in the spirit of sport and the power of human connection at the “Fair Play Menarini – The Champions Tell Their Stories” talk show held recently in Florence. This year’s edition, hosted in the magnificent setting of the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio, offered a unique platform for renowned athletes to share their journeys, showcasing a powerful message of fair play, respect, and the Olympic spirit.
Celebrating the Values of Sport
“This year’s Fair Play Menarini Awards once again recognized the values of sport and its champions,” emphasized Sara Funaro, Mayor of Florence, during her heartfelt address. “Values that are not just about sporting skills but encompass all so-called life skills. These values transcend sports, finding application in every aspect of life such as empathy and the ability to build lasting, positive social relationships. These are essential elements in building a better, more inclusive, and respectful society, which is why I offer my sincere gratitude to the Menarini Group.”
The event became a compelling display of athletic excellence transcending individual sports.
A Constellation of Sporting Legends
Javier Zanetti, the legendary captain of Inter Nazionale and the Argentine national team, was honored with the International Fair Play Menarini Prize 2023- a testament to his sportsmanship and remarkable career.
Italian volleyball showcased its enduring legacy through Andrea Zorzi, the 2010 Fair Play Menarini Ambassador. A representative of the “Generation of Phenomena” who dominated the sport in the 1990s, Zorzi’s presence was a powerful reminder of the sport’s rich history. Standing beside him, Ekaterina Antropova, the gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Games, represented the new generation, highlighting the future of Italian volleyball with the national team coached by Julio Velasco.
The Augen’s dazzling stories continued.AMT
Andy Diaz, the triple jump champion, captivated the audience with his inspiring path. His first Olympic medal, earned after leaving Cuba and representing Italy, stands as a remarkable testament to his resilience and talent. Among those present was Fabrizio Donato, the London 2012 bronze medalist, who welcomed Diaz with open arms three years ago, ushering him towards success. Donato himself personified the transformative power of sport, moving beyond competition to embrace new beginnings.
Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, the Paralympic gold medalist, moved the audience with stories of his incredible journey. Three consecutive world records set at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris solidified his status as a sporting hero.
The event also honored the remarkable career of Giuliano Razzoli, the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics slalom gold medalist and Fair Play Menarini Ambassador. After having contributed to the world of skiing for two decades, Razzoli, who retired in May 2022, reflected on his achievements and the values that have guided him throughout his career.
Borja Valero, the Spanish midfielder who has become a Fiorentina icon and favorite of the fans in Florence, received a resounding welcome.
The journalist Federico Buffa, captivating viewers with his unique storytelling prowess. He was among the winners of the 28th Fair Play Menarini International Award, provided a compelling commentary through his unique storytelling abilities – his voice a reminder of the powerful connection between sports and life.
Silvia Salis, vice president of the Italian Olympic Committee, and former hammer throw champion who has competed in two Olympic Games, also joined the conversation.
## Sharing Inspiration Across Screens
For the first time, viewers of Sky channel 501 could experience the event live. This collaboration with Sky TG24 allowed wider access, sharing the stories and values of the athletes with those beyond the walls of the Palazzo Vecchio.
“In this edition of The Champions Tell their Stories, we heard the unique stories of people with sport running through their veins,” explained Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, representing the Board of Trustees of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation. “Now we only need to invite you to join us at the twenty-ninth edition in summer 2025 to share the values of Fair Play Menarini with younger generations, especially kindling a passion for sport in young hearts.”
How can individuals in Florence, regardless of their athletic ability, get involved in supporting the Fair Play Menarini mission?
## Interview with Sara Funaro, Mayor of Florence
**Interviewer:** Mayor Funaro, thank you for joining us today. The “Fair Play Menarini” talk show in Florence seems to have been a truly inspiring event. Can you tell us a bit more about its significance?
**Mayor Funaro:** It truly was an evening to remember. The “Fair Play Menarini” Awards are not just about celebrating sporting achievements, they are about recognizing the values that underpin sport: respect, integrity, and fair play. These are essential qualities not only on the field but also in our everyday lives. We need these values now more than ever to build a more inclusive and compassionate society.
**Interviewer:** The event brought together athletes from various disciplines and generations. How does this diversity contribute to the message of the “Fair Play Menarini”?
**Mayor Funaro:** It’s wonderful to see athletes from different backgrounds and eras come together to share their stories. Each individual journey highlights how sport can transcend boundaries and inspire us all. Seeing legends like Javier Zanetti alongside rising stars like Ekaterina Antropova demonstrates the enduring legacy of fair play and its ability to connect generations.
**Interviewer:**
The stories of athletes like Andy Diaz and Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy seem particularly moving. How do their experiences exemplify the spirit of the event?
**Mayor Funaro:** Absolutely. These athletes demonstrate incredible resilience and determination. Diaz’s story of leaving Cuba to represent Italy and achieve success on the Olympic stage is truly inspiring. Ganeshamoorthy’s Paralympic achievements and his dedication to pushing boundaries despite challenges are testament to the transformative power of sport. Their journeys remind us that through sport we can overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
**Interviewer:** Mayor Funaro, what do you hope people will take away from this event?
**Mayor Funaro along with the Menarini Group** : I hope this event reminds us that sport is about so much more than just winning. It’s about the values we embody, the connections we make, and the inspiration we find in each other. [ [1](https://www.menarini.com/en-us/news/news-detail/fair-play-menarini-the-names-of-the-participants-at-the-champions-tell-their-stories-talk-show-are-revealed) ]
