The prestigious Koch Hall of the Senate of the Republic hosted the second edition of the World Fair Play Day, the international day proclaimed by the United Nations and dedicated to the values of respect, fairness, and ethics in sport and society.
The event, promoted by the Italian National Fair Play Committee (CNIFP), chaired by Ruggero Alcanterini and Vice President Ezio Bonanni, marked the association’s thirty years of activity. It brought together representatives from institutions, sport, diplomacy, business, and culture around the theme of the need for a new global ethical transition.
The initiative was organized at the urging of Senator Francesca Tubetti and transformed Rome into the center of the national debate on Fair Play values as a social and cultural model.
The Italy I Would Like Is the Italy of Fair Play
Indice dei contenuti
Under the slogan “The Italy I Would Like, the Italy of Fair Play,” World Fair Play Day 2026 welcomed the participation of:
- Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth in italy
- Federico Mollicone, Chairman of the Seventh Commission for Culture, Science and Education;
- Svetlana Celli, President of the Rome Capital City Assembly;
- Alberto Improda, President of Overstep NGO;
- Gherardo Casini, Director of the Rome Office of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs;
- Juri Morico, President of OPES and member of the CONI executive board;
- Rossana Ciuffetti (Sport e Salute S.p.A.);
- Silvia Marrara, Embassy Counselor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Sports Diplomacy Office;
- Nicola Graziano, President of UNICEF Italy;
- Mario Virgili, President of FVG CNIFP;
- Fabrizio Fasani, Senior Advisor at ICI;
- General Federico Sepe, President of UNUCI.
Senator Luca Ciriani, Minister for Parliamentary Relations, sent a message that was delivered by President Ruggero Alcanterini.
An Intense Day Dedicated to the Great Issues of Our Time
The discussions ranged from the origins of the concept of Fair Play to the value of memory, from responsible information practices to the promotion of female talent, from health protection to the role of sport as an extraordinary tool for education, inclusion, and social well-being.
A significant moment of the event was the awarding of the title of “Fair Play Knights” to three distinguished figures who, through their personal and professional achievements, have embodied and promoted the values of respect, ethics, and social responsibility:
- Beppe Dossena, leader of the coaches and footballers association;
- Mariacristina Gribaudi, entrepreneur and President of the Venice Civic Museums Foundation;
- Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo.
The National Ethical Merit Award was also presented to Don Francesco Preite, National President of Salesians for Social Work, and to Pasquale Vessa, a leading figure in the clean energy sector.
Francesca Tubetti
Senator Francesca Tubetti opened the proceedings by emphasizing that, for her, Fair Play means family, respect, and solidarity.
She stated that she is proud to promote an initiative that allows such important issues to be addressed.
Ruggero Alcanterini: “Fair Play Is a Civic Necessity”
CNIFP National President Ruggero Alcanterini highlighted the role of Fair Play in contemporary society.
Fair Play in History
“Today, Fair Play represents a civic and cultural necessity even before it is a sporting one.”
He explained the history of Fair Play:
“The English expression Fair Play, literally meaning fair game (understood as loyalty), identifies in the collective imagination a series of ethical rules and behaviors to be adopted in sport, based on the general principles of respect, solidarity, fairness, and honesty.”
William Shakespeare is historically recognized as the first author to coin the expression “fair play.” He used it to describe loyal behavior among the protagonists of his works, a concept that later evolved into a universal value in sport and civil life.
Fair Play Today
Today, the term Fair Play is used to denote the same principles in various fields, particularly politics and social life.
The Italian National Fair Play Committee works to promote and spread, through social initiatives, the concept that “respect and loyalty are the values of life.”
Playing fairly and honestly means adopting ethical rules and behaviors based on the principles of solidarity, fairness, and honesty.
Ezio Bonanni: “Ethics and the Protection of Human Dignity”
CNIFP Vice President Attorney Ezio Bonanni emphasized the connection between ethics, rights, and social responsibility.
“The protection of human dignity passes through respect for rules and transparency,” Bonanni explained. “Fair Play must become a guiding principle for institutions and society.”
Bonanni, who has long been committed to fighting asbestos and other carcinogens as President of the National Asbestos Observatory, highlighted the common thread linking Fair Play with the protection of health and the environment in defending human dignity, especially in contrast to the conflicts currently afflicting the world.
Andrea Abodi: “Sport Must Educate”
Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi stressed the importance of peace, which remains difficult to achieve in the current global climate.
According to the Minister, it is necessary “to do more.”
He emphasized the importance of celebrating victory while showing greater respect for opponents and insisted on the need to strengthen education in respect within schools.
“Next year, I will ask President Alcanterini to choose a larger hall and invite younger children as well.”
This statement clearly expressed the intention to develop new projects for future generations.
Luca Ciriani Sent Greetings Through Ruggero Alcanterini
Minister for Parliamentary Relations Luca Ciriani was ultimately unable to attend and sent his greetings through President Ruggero Alcanterini.
Remembering Last Year
“I am sincerely sorry that I cannot be with you this morning, but I wanted to send my warmest greetings and thank you for the invitation. Last year we were together here in the Senate for the UN Day dedicated to Fair Play, and I am truly pleased that this event is being repeated with the same enthusiasm and passion.
The values of sport are a cornerstone of our society. Sport pushes us to be more competitive, but it also teaches us what it means to dedicate ourselves body and soul to something. It teaches us the meaning of dedication and sacrifice.
Whether practiced at an amateur or professional level, sport must always be accompanied by the values embodied in the words Fair Play.
Respect, loyalty, and inclusion are the pillars of Fair Play and therefore of sport. Increasingly, they should become the principles governing the social and civic life of each of us.
Thank you for all the work you do, especially because you continue to spread these fundamental values beyond the world of sport.”
Federico Mollicone, the Constitution and Sport
Federico Mollicone, Chairman of the Chamber’s Culture Commission, highlighted the historic inclusion of sport in the Italian Constitution.
In line with Minister Abodi, he sees sport and Fair Play as structural components of the Nation and as tools against all forms of discrimination.
He also recalled support for the revival of the Youth Games.
Svetlana Celli: Working Through Schools
Svetlana Celli, President of the Rome Capital Assembly, emphasized the importance of the third sector’s mission in Italy.
She stressed the need to work in schools, among younger generations, and within associations, overcoming disrespect and intolerance.
“We must teach respect for others, in the very spirit of Fair Play.”
Juri Morico: “Grassroots Sport Educates Young People”
After thanking Alcanterini, Morico recalled the outstanding edition of the Italian Open tennis tournament and the success of champion Jannik Sinner, a highly admired athlete.
“Athletes must remember to fulfill their role with a strong sense of responsibility. Every word they speak carries great significance, especially for the community that grants them public recognition.”
Morico also reflected on the roles of judges and referees.
He concluded:
“Personally, I can assure the President that our support will never be lacking.”
Beyond Ethics for Teamwork
Support and encouragement were also expressed by Alberto Improda, President of Overstep NGO, and Gherardo Casini, Director of the Rome Office of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Rossana Ciuffetti: “Sport and Social Well-Being”
Rossana Ciuffetti of Sport e Salute shared the example of Caivano as a model for urban regeneration and territorial redevelopment through safety and sport.
Nicola Graziano: UNICEF Sent a Video Message
UNICEF Italy President Nicola Graziano sent a video message recognizing Fair Play as a way of being in the world, an ethical category that places dignity and respect at its center.
Fair Play means winning without humiliating others. It is strength that never becomes abuse. It is a way of building society.
The most important victory, he said, is not the one achieved over others but the one achieved over ourselves when we choose not to dominate, when we welcome instead of exclude.
UNICEF reaffirmed its full support for Fair Play Day, emphasizing the importance of sport as a moment of social aggregation and teamwork.
Community and Ethical Enterprise
Also speaking at the event were Mario Virgili, President of FVG CNIFP, and Fabrizio Fasani, Senior Advisor at ICI.
Federico Sepe: “Discipline and Civic Sense Are Fundamental”
UNUCI President General Federico Sepe highlighted the value of service.
He stated that it was a great honor to speak at the second edition of World Fair Play Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly on July 1, 2024—a historic step recognizing the universal value of a principle that extends beyond sport to become an ethical foundation for civil coexistence.
Fair Play is not merely a sporting rule but a genuine moral code.
According to Sepe, it serves as a reminder to citizens, military personnel, and institutional representatives to conduct themselves with integrity, mutual respect, and transparency.
He also recalled the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the National Union of Retired Officers of Italy and the Italian National Fair Play Committee on April 16 at the CONI Executive Hall.
Fair Play Knights 2026 Honored
One of the most significant moments of the day was the awarding of the title of “Fair Play Knights,” presented by Vice Presidents Ezio Bonanni and Renato Mariotti.
The honor was awarded to:
- Beppe Dossena, former football player and leader of the coaches and footballers association;
- Mariacristina Gribaudi, entrepreneur and President of the Venice Civic Museums Foundation;
- Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, for their contribution to spreading ethical and social values.
Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo is a patron of the arts and founder of the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, with locations in Madrid, Turin, and Guarene. She is President of the Committee of Italian Contemporary Art Foundations and a member of the International Council of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the International Council of the Tate Gallery in London, and the Advisory Council of the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Lyon.
Ethical Merit Award Presented to Don Francesco Preite
During the event, the National Ethical Merit Award was presented to Don Francesco Preite, National President of Salesians for Social Work.
Recognition for Pasquale Vessa for Clean Energy
Pasquale Vessa, a leading figure in the sustainable energy sector, was also honored.
Rome, International Capital of Fair Play
World Fair Play Day 2026 concluded with a strong message shared by institutions and speakers alike:
Promoting Fair Play means building a more just, inclusive, and responsible society.
The event confirmed Rome’s role as an international point of reference for dialogue on the universal values of sport and civil coexistence.
