On 19 May, Brussels' famous Manneken-Pis statue traded its usual attire for a sporty outfit, marking World Fair Play Day. The event, officially recognized by a United Nations resolution in July 2024, promotes integrity, respect, and teamwork in sports—values that trace back to the Olympic oath sworn by athletes for over a century.
The International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), headquartered in Paris, coordinates the day's activities. Founded in 1963 by French tennis legend Jean Borotra, the CIFP has long championed sportsmanship. Its first Fair Play Award went to Italian bobsledder Eugenio Monti in 1964. During the Innsbruck Winter Olympics that year, Monti and his teammate Sergio Siorapes, the defending champions, lent a crucial axle part to British rivals who were about to withdraw due to a faulty component. The British pair went on to win gold, while the Italians took bronze—a gesture that defined fair play.
“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, 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.”
Sabharwal emphasized the broader relevance: “Integrity is of paramount importance today, whether that concerns an international organisation, sports federation or a commercial entity.” The CIFP, a volunteer-led body, is expanding its strategic activities. This includes welcoming two former Olympians to its governing council: Emma Terho, a Finnish three-time Olympic ice hockey medalist and former Chair of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes' Commission, and Paul Tergat, a Kenyan long-distance runner with multiple Olympic medals.
“Having spent years advocating for athletes within the IOC, I know that victory without integrity is hollow,” Terho 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.” Tergat described fair play as “a universal language” and added: “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.”
Expanding the Fair Play Mission
The CIFP also announced the launch of the Fair Play Academic Circle, a dedicated research and educational resource for the international sporting community. This initiative aims to deepen understanding of sportsmanship and integrity through academic study, complementing the committee's advocacy work.
World Fair Play Day events took place globally, with the Manneken-Pis dressing being a highlight in Brussels. The statue, a symbol of the city's irreverent spirit, often wears costumes for special occasions. This year's sporty look underscores the CIFP's message that fair play is not just for elite athletes but for everyone involved in sport.
The CIFP's efforts come at a time when integrity in sports faces challenges from doping, match-fixing, and governance scandals. By spotlighting positive examples like Monti's, the committee hopes to inspire a new generation. As Sabharwal noted, “There is really no sport without fair play.”
