Brussels’ iconic Manneken Pis statue received a makeover in honour of the annual World Fair Play Day. Celebrated on 19 May, the event shines a spotlight on "fair play'' in the world of sport.
For more than a century, athletes competing in the Olympic Games have sworn an oath to compete “in the true spirit of sportsmanship.”
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This is a commitment to integrity, respect and teamwork reflected annually on 19 May, as part of World Fair Play Day — a day officially designated through a resolution passed by the United Nations in July 2024.
Headquartered in Paris, the event’s organising body — the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) — was founded in 1963 by renowned French tennis player Jean Borotra. The following year, Italian bobsledder Eugenio Monti became the first winner of a Fair Play Award.
Monti and his bobsledding partner Sergio Siorapes were the defending champions at the 1964 Innsbruck games. But when their British rivals almost withdrew from the competition due to a faulty axle, Monti gave them a part from his bobsleigh. This led the British pair to take gold, while the Italians won a bronze medal.
“This year we held a commemorative event for Eugenio Monti because the Winter Olympics were hosted in Milano-Cortina and he was actually from Cortina”, Sunil Sabharwal, CIFP president who chairs the volunteer-led body, told Euronews.
“We really believe that there is really no sport without fair play, sportsmanship and integrity. Bringing examples of fair play to the forefront is critical.”
“Integrity is of paramount importance today, whether that concerns an international organisation, sports federation or a commercial entity”, added Sabharwal.
Across various events held around the world – including dressing Brussels’ famous Mannken-Pis statue in a sporting outfit for the day – the CIFP will mark its work, as it seeks to expand its strategic activities over the coming year.
This includes welcoming two former Olympians to its governing council, one of whom is Emma Terho, a Finnish three-time Olympic ice hockey medalist and former Chair of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes' Commission.
"Having spent years advocating for athletes within the IOC, I know that victory without integrity is hollow”, she said.
“I am honored to join the CIFP Council to ensure that fairness, respect, and the fundamental values of Olympism remain central to the athlete experience globally," added the sportswoman.
Paul Tergat, a Kenyan long-distance runner who has won multiple Olympic medals, is also joining the council. He described fair play as “a universal language.”
"I am incredibly proud to bring the voice of African athletes to the CIFP Council on World Fair Play Day. Together, we will champion clean, ethical sport and inspire the next generation across all continents”, said the former world record-holder.
The CIPF has also announced the launch of the Fair Play Academic Circle, which will serve as a dedicated research and educational resource for the international sporting community.
The research body will be led by Dr Sigmund Loland, a professor and former rector of the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, specialised in the philosophy of sport.