The XXVII edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award concluded with great success. Three days dedicated to sports, with enthusiastic participation from both the public and the athletes, took place in Florence and Fiesole.
The events have kept the focus on the philosophy of fair play, which served as the guiding principle throughout the activities held in the beautiful locations of the Florentine metropolitan area.
The program for 2023 began with the talk show “I campioni si raccontano” (Champions tell their stories) on Monday, July 3, followed by the gala dinner on Tuesday, July 4, and culminated in the awards ceremony on Wednesday, July 5.
Conversations in Piazza della Signoria with Edwin Moses, Giancarlo Antognoni, Tommie Smith and Arrigo Sacchi
Legends such as Edwin Moses, Tommie Smith, Arrigo Sacchi and Giancarlo Antognoni took center stage at the talk show “I campioni si raccontano”, hosted by journalist Ivan Zazzaroni with the magnificent background of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.
During the engaging conversation, the guests showcased their remarkable depth as Fair Play Menarini Ambassadors and as proud representatives of the finest aspects of sportsmanship. Particularly noteworthy was the contribution of sprinter Tommie Smith, who in 1968 tore apart the cloak of conformity that had restrained the Olympic world to some extent.
His iconic raised fist on the podium of the 200-meter final emerged from a profound realization: that he could become a symbol for an entire community.
Smith explained during the evening event on July 3, “We didn’t know what we were going to do; we were students known for our speed. We came of age in 1968. We had to make ourselves seen by everyone because we had never been heard when we spoke about racism.“
Smith then turned his attention to the relationship between sports and study, a connection that the Fair Play Menarini Foundation strongly advocates for.
“Our victory speaks volumes; we fought for people’s rights,” emphasized the former U.S. record holder. “You must listen to what your heart tells you, just like those kids in Mexico City did in 1968. Education should be something that guides you to become someone and help others in society.“
Profound concepts echoed by Edwin Moses, a strong advocate in the fight against doping and inequality. As the greatest four-center in history, Moses believes that the combination of diversity, sports and education adds immeasurable value to a champion’s wealth of experience.
“I’ve known Tommie for 46 years – remarked Moses during the talk show – We both came from similar families that valued education and we shared a passion for sports. Being a student and an athlete simultaneously appealed to me because I appreciated the synergy of mind and body. Moreover, I grew up in an academic family that emphasized the importance of education. I’ve had numerous experiences and traveled extensively across Europe and the world. These principles were instilled in me by my family, and I consider myself fortunate.“
Arrigo Sacchi redirected the conversation towards the qualities necessary to build a cohesive team.
“In this country, even simple things make you a revolutionary – explained Sacchi, reflecting on his time as coach of Milan – For me, it was crucial to lead a team in which every player actively participated in both offensive and defensive phases. I always believed that three elements were vital in soccer: motivation, strong team spirit and the way of playing. That’s why I never focused on the players’ technical abilities but rather on their intelligence because I sought dependable individuals.“
Giancarlo Antognoni echoed Sacchi’s sentiments and symbolically embraced the city of Florence, the place where he matured as both a footballer and a person.
“I played for my teammates; personal glory was never my goal. I consider myself a team player because you can’t win games alone. I may have won fewer titles than the other honorees present, but I achieved something they did not: the love and affection of the Florentine people.“
