International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) Honors Bobsleigh Legend Eugenio Monti in Cortina;

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Global Sports Leaders Celebrate a Legacy of Integrity.

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – Against the backdrop of the Dolomites, the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) held a historic commemoration for Eugenio Monti, the Italian bobsleigh icon whose selfless act at the 1964 Innsbruck Games remains the bedrock of the Fair Play movement—a legacy whose impact extends beyond medals. 

The event, held at the German House in Cortina, brought together a prestigious assembly of Olympic leaders including HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Thomas Weikert (President of the DOSB), and Ivo Ferriani (President of the IBSF), under the new leadership of CIFP President Sunil Sabharwal.

HSH Prince Albert II, an Honorary Member of the CIFP and a five-time Olympic bobsledder, shared a poignant reflection on the enduring spirit of the sport:

"It is a profound honor to be in Cortina today to celebrate the enduring legacy of Eugenio Monti. For those of us who have lived the speed and intensity of bobsleigh, Monti is more than a champion; he is the soul of the sport. His legendary act during the 1964 Innsbruck Games—handing a crucial bolt from his own sled to his rivals so they could compete—remains the ultimate gold standard for sportsmanship. To be here in Cortina, the very ground where his journey began and where his spirits still resides, accentuated by the fact that the sliding center is named after him, is a powerful reminder that while medals may tarnish, the integrity of a fair competitor is immortal.

As an Honorary Member of the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) and a five-time Olympian in bobsleigh, I have always believed that the 'finish line' is secondary to how we run the race. The sport of bobsleigh requires a unique blend of courage, technical precision, and, above all, mutual respect. We are not just competing against the clock or each other; we are stewards of a tradition that demands we lift one another up. The CIFP exists to protect this heartbeat of the Olympic movement, ensuring that the values of fairness and solidarity are never sacrificed at the altar of victory.

Under the dynamic leadership of our new President, Sunil Sabharwal, the CIFP is entering a transformative chapter. Sunil has brought a modern vision to the organization, ensuring these principles remain active guides for today’s digital generation. His drive to expand our global reach ensures that the 'Monti spirit' will thrive for decades to come."

Ivo Ferriani, President of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) and IOC Member,

spoke emotionally about the resonance of Monti’s character within the sliding community. He remarked that he was deeply moved by the commemoration of a bobsleigh legend, stating that the "Monti spirit"—where rivals are seen as brothers in a high-speed quest—is the true reflection of a bobsledder's heart.

Thomas Weikert, President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), expressed his pride in hosting the event at the German House—a location with deep historical ties to the Fair Play movement:

 "The DOSB is deeply honored to host this commemoration and to receive the Special Fair Play Award for the generous act of our rowing team during the Paris Games. Bringing the CIFP back to the German House is also a significant milestone; it recalls the 2012 London Games when then-NOC President Thomas Bach first hosted these awards. We are proud to continue that legacy of honoring character alongside athletic excellence."

Closing the event, CIFP President Sunil Sabharwal thanked the partners and looked toward a vision where fair play becomes a cornerstone for the youth of tomorrow:

"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to HSH Prince Albert II, President Weikert, and President Ferriani. Eugenio Monti’s moment in 1964 was more than a gesture; it was a defining pivot for international sport. As President of the CIFP, my mission is to ensure this legacy is not just remembered, but transformed. We want the next generation of athletes to see that true meaning in sport comes from respect. By embedding these values today, we ensure that the youth of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games and beyond understand that winning with honor is the only way to truly win."