Collari d'Oro presented, Buonfiglio: “Proud of a winning 2026, both on and off the field of play”
From the Olympic and Paralympic triumphs of Milano Cortina 2026 to the world titles secured throughout the year, Italian sport has celebrated its champions following a season of outstanding international success. CONI’s ‘Giulio Onesti’ Olympic Preparation Centre in Rome hosted the Collari d'Oro for Sporting Merit awards ceremony, honouring the recipients of Italian sport’s highest distinction. The occasion was dedicated to celebrating Italian sporting excellence, recognising the achievements of athletes and the contributions of coaches, officials and sports clubs who helped deliver the successes of 2026.
“This iconic venue of Italian sport, CONI’s ‘Giulio Onesti’ Olympic Preparation Centre, embodies everything we do in sport,” said CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio in his opening address. “There could be no better place to celebrate your victories, which fill us with pride. Athletes succeed when the entire system works: coaches, officials and presidents. Everyone working together towards the same goal. Once again this year, you have been the stars. Italy and the world have watched and followed us. We showcased the host locations of the Games and earned the admiration of the world. After Milano Cortina 2026, we hosted the Mediterranean Games: together, we made Taranto a success. It was a tremendous achievement. We have won so much in 2026, not only at the Games and in Taranto. We have already secured several qualification places for Los Angeles 2028 and are already working on our Olympic preparations. But our victories have not been confined to the field of play: we have demonstrated expertise, knowledge, efficiency and organisational ability. I would like to thank the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, who has always stood by us. I also thank the Government, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Minister of Economy Giancarlo Giorgetti for their continued support for sport. We are on the right track”.
Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi then addressed the ceremony: “This event is a tradition, and each time it carries a special meaning: reaffirming the value of results, commitment, cooperation and respect. The greatest significance of victories lies in the example they set. That is what sport is above all: a natural remedy that enables us and our communities to grow and improve. We are relay runners in a race that never ends, continually making a positive impact on social life”.
Italian Paralympic Committee President Marco Giunio De Sanctis added: “We have experienced extraordinary Games. All together. Today we celebrate the greatest athletes in the world. Our sport is in excellent health. That is beyond doubt. These athletes are the finest expression of our country’s values”.
The awards presentations then took place (photos by Mattia Martegani and Andrea Masini/CONI). Under the current regulations governing sporting honours, those who had already received the Collari d'Oro in previous years were presented with the Diploma of Honour, while coaches were awarded the Golden Palm.
The Collare d'Oro was also conferred on leading figures Angelo Binaghi, Evelina Christillin, Francesco Ettorre, Giuseppe Manfredi, Stefano Mei, Tiziana Nasi and Gabriella Palmieri Sandulli, as well as the sports clubs A.S.D. Sci Corno alle Scale Kli Bologna, A.S.D. Canottieri Sabazia, Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli, ACF Fiorentina, Circolo del Tennis Palermo, Associazione Sportiva S. Stefano, Polisportiva Milanese 1979 Sport Disabili and Associazione Sportiva Handicappati Novara Onlus.
The military and civilian sports organisations that contributed to Italy’s success at Milano Cortina 2026 were also honoured. The Golden Stars for Sporting Merit were awarded to Andrea De Gennaro, Commanding General of the Guardia di Finanza (Fiamme Gialle); Salvatore Luongo, Commanding General of the Carabinieri; Carmine Masiello, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army; and Vittorio Pisani, Chief of the Italian State Police (Fiamme Oro).
Cerimonia di consegna dei Collari d'Oro 2026
