The award, presented in the presence of the Minister for Sport and Youth, the Hon. Andrea Abodi, aims to recognise the educational and social commitment carried out by Salesiani per il sociale in support of the most vulnerable children and young people, through a national network of works, communities, oratories, educational centres and social inclusion projects inspired by the charism of Don Bosco.

In his speech, Fr Francesco Preite chose to dedicate the award to the social and sports educators within the network and to the young people taking part in the association’s educational programmes: “I accept this award with gratitude and a sense of responsibility. I dedicate it to the social and sports educators of the Salesians for Social Action network, who every day transform playgrounds, youth clubs, communities and sports fields into places of inclusion, trust and hope. And I dedicate it above all to the most vulnerable young people, because fair play teaches us that no one grows up alone and that true merit stems from the ability to care for others”.

During the event, the educational value of fair play was highlighted as a tool for social cohesion, active citizenship and combating inequality. This is a theme particularly close to the experience of Salesians for Social Action, which considers sport an integral part of educational pathways and the prevention of youth distress, in line with Don Bosco’s Preventive System, founded on welcome, educational relationships and the active involvement of young people.