International Fair Play Committee facts for kids
Have you ever seen an athlete help an opponent who fell down, or a team cheer for their rival? That's called fair play, or good sportsmanship. The International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) is a special group that celebrates these amazing moments in sports.
The CIFP is an international organization that doesn't work for profit. Its main goal is to encourage athletes to be fair, honest, and respectful to each other. Every year, it gives out special awards to athletes and teams who have shown outstanding sportsmanship.
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History of the Committee
The International Fair Play Committee was created in France in 1963. It was started by members of several major sports groups, including UNESCO and FIFA. One of its founders was Jean Borotra, a famous French tennis star.
The committee gave its first award in 1965 to an Italian bobsledder named Eugenio Monti. During the 1964 Winter Olympics, Monti's biggest rival, Tony Nash from Great Britain, broke a part on his sled. Monti lent Nash a spare part from his own sled. Thanks to Monti's help, Nash's team was able to compete and win the gold medal. Monti's act of kindness became a famous example of fair play.
The World Fair Play Awards
Every year, the CIFP holds a ceremony to give awards to athletes who have shown great sportsmanship. There are several different awards, or trophies, that are given out.
Pierre de Coubertin World Fair Play Trophy
This is the "trophy for action." It is given to an athlete who does something amazing to help a competitor, even if it means they might not win. It is named after Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games.
Jean Borotra World Fair Play Trophy
This is the "trophy for a career." It is given to athletes who have shown great sportsmanship throughout their entire time in sports. It is named after the CIFP's founder, Jean Borotra.
Willi Daume World Fair Play Trophy
This is the "trophy for promotion." It is given to a person or organization that has worked hard to teach others about the importance of fair play. This could be through speeches, books, or special events.
Jacques Rogge World Fair Play Trophy for The Youth
This is the "trophy for the youth." It is given to young athletes who are great examples of fair play for others to follow. It is named after Jacques Rogge, a former president of the International Olympic Committee.
Other Awards and Recognitions
Besides the main trophies, the CIFP also gives out diplomas and letters to congratulate other athletes and organizations for their good sportsmanship.
Sometimes, special awards are given out at big events like the Olympic Games. For example, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a group of skateboarders were celebrated for cheering for their competitor after she fell, showing great friendship and support.
Inspiring Winners and Their Stories
Over the years, many athletes have been recognized for their incredible acts of fair play. Here are a few of their stories.
- Eugenio Monti (1964)
The first-ever winner, bobsledder Eugenio Monti, helped his British rivals win gold at the Olympics by giving them a spare part from his own sled.
- Tana Umaga (2003)
In a rugby match, New Zealand player Tana Umaga saw that an opponent from Wales had been knocked unconscious. Umaga stopped playing and rushed to help the player, putting him in a safe position until doctors arrived.
- Alexei Nemov (2004)
Russian gymnast Alexei Nemov was a crowd favorite at the 2004 Olympics. When the judges gave him a score the audience thought was too low, they started booing loudly. This was distracting the next gymnast. Nemov stepped forward, raised his hands, and calmed the crowd down so his competitor could perform fairly.
- Mutaz Barsham and Gianmarco Tamberi (2022)
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, high jumpers Mutaz Barsham of Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy were tied for first place. Instead of competing in a tie-breaker, they asked the official if they could share the gold medal. The official said yes, and the two friends celebrated their shared victory together. Barsham received a Fair Play Award for this incredible moment of friendship.
- Denmark National Football Team (2021)
During a big game, one of Denmark's star players had a serious medical emergency on the field. The team immediately formed a circle around him to give him privacy and comfort. Their quick thinking and care for their teammate showed the world what true teamwork and sportsmanship look like.
Leaders of the Committee
The CIFP has had several presidents since it was founded.
- Jean Borotra (1963–1988)
- Willi Daume (1988–1996)
- Louis Guirandou-N'Diaye (1996–1999)
- Jenő Kamuti (2000–present)
The committee also has Honorary Presidents, who are important people that have supported fair play in sports. They include past presidents of the IOC and UNESCO.
See also
