The San Marino National Olympic Committee hosted a glittering sports awards ceremony at the Kursaal Congress Center, honoring outstanding achievements from this past season. Among the distinguished attendees was Kimi Antonelli, the young Formula 1 driver from Bologna who made a strong impression last year driving for Mercedes. The event gathered top athletes, coaches, and teams from across the region to celebrate their dedication and success in sports.
Notable Figures and Award Nominees Highlight the Evening
The awards night was graced by prominent sports personalities including Luigi Samele, the decorated Olympic fencer with four medals, and Martina Santandrea, a celebrated Italian gymnast. Italian sports authority CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio also attended, symbolizing the strong collaboration between the Italian and San Marino sports communities. Hosting the gala were sports journalist Stefano Meloccaro and former volleyball player and journalist Rachele Sangiuliano, alongside Italian media representatives such as Xavier Jacobelli, Fabrizio Maffei, Alessandro Alciato, and Roberto Sergio, director of San Marino RTV.
The award categories introduced by CONS aimed to highlight remarkable athletes, promising young talents, coaches, and teams. Athlete of the Year nominees included Jasmine Verbena, Alessandra Perilli, and Gian Marco Berti. For Coach of the Year, contenders were Doriano Bindi, Luca Di Mari, and Claudio Stefanelli. The Team of the Year competition featured robust contenders such as the mixed duo of Alessandra Perilli and Gian Marco Berti, the San Marino Baseball Club, and the women’s bocce team led by Giada and Stella Paoletti. Emerging talents Greta San Martini, Tommaso Terenzi, and Elia Stacchini vied for the Promising Promise of the Year title.
Awards Support Local Causes and Future Sporting Events
In addition to individual and team honors, the San Marino European Sports Community received recognition with the Titan Award from Aces Europe for 2026, following nomination by the Secretariat for Sport. All proceeds from ticket sales were dedicated to supporting Aslem, the San Marino Association for the Fight Against Leukemia and Blood Cancer, reinforcing the event’s commitment to social causes. The gala, with its star-studded attendance and passionate atmosphere, was scheduled to be broadcast on San Marino RTV on Sunday evening, allowing a wider audience to share in the celebration.
Kimi Antonelli’s presence at the awards underlined his rising status within Italian motorsport, especially after securing his first pole position at the Miami F1 Grand Prix, elevating expectations for his future performances. This event showcased not just individual brilliance but also the growing spirit of collaboration between San Marino and Italian sports organizations, signaling promising developments in regional sports engagement.
