The smiles of children and young people, the enthusiasm of families, the extraordinary turnout, and the presence of Kimi Antonelli made the 28th edition of Sport in Fiera an especially moving occasion. The event, organized by the San Marino National Olympic Committee (CONS), transformed the Serravalle Sports Centre into a great celebration of sport, community and fun from Friday through Sunday.
Over 11,000 people visited Sport in Fiera across the three days — a record-breaking result that reflects the community’s growing passion for the event and its ability, year after year, to reinvent itself, expand its offerings and draw an ever-larger crowd.
But the greatest success can be seen in the smiles of the young people who filled the federation stands, trying out new sports, meeting champions and experiencing sport as a source of joy, friendship and discovery.
This is precisely the authentic spirit of Sport in Fiera, designed above all for younger generations, to introduce them to sport and, through fun, pass on the values of an active and healthy lifestyle.
The Sports Federations were once again outstanding protagonists, providing coaches, athletes and volunteers to guide thousands of children and teenagers through a discovery of different disciplines. This collective effort lies at the heart of the event and represents a concrete investment in the future of sport in San Marino.
Making this edition even more special was the presence of Kimi Antonelli, current leader of the Formula One world championship, who received a warm welcome. The champion, who lives in San Marino, shared his personal journey, showing how talent, sacrifice, determination and belief in one’s dreams can turn a passion into a great achievement.
Sport in Fiera 2026 also offered a rich programme of shows, entertainment, meetings and in-depth talks designed to engage children, young people and families. The performances and activities dedicated to the youngest visitors were especially well received, while a new cultural area — featuring conferences, book presentations and discussion sessions — further enriched the event, underscoring its educational value.
“This was an extraordinary edition,” said CONS president Christian Forcellini, “one I will carry in my heart, above all for the emotions it gave us. Over 11,000 visitors is an exceptional result, but even more rewarding was seeing thousands of children smiling, having fun, testing themselves and spending special days together with their families. Sport in Fiera exists for them: our young people are the true wealth of Sammarinese sport, and seeing their happiness is our greatest satisfaction. We welcomed Kimi Antonelli, who made this edition historic, above all because this young champion managed to convey a beautiful message, showing that dreams can come true through passion and commitment. I want to thank all the Federations, along with their presidents, coaches, athletes and volunteers, the CONS staff, and everyone who worked with dedication to make this event a success. Behind every smile, every activity and every moment of celebration lies the work of many people who believe in the value of sport and in the future of our young people.”
The closing afternoon on Sunday, September 20 brought one of the most moving moments of the event: the celebration of the winners of the four medals won by Team San Marino at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto. Jacopo Frisoni, Enrico Dall’Olmo, Stella and Giada Paoletti, and Alessandra Perilli were greeted with a standing ovation in a collective embrace.
Journalist Alessandro Alciato revisited with them the most significant moments of their achievements in Taranto, paying tribute to results that will go down in the history of Sammarinese sport, as the medallists received their official certificates.
The final day also included the award ceremony for the 4th Literary and Journalism Competition, “A fictional sports story set in San Marino”, an initiative combining sport, culture and creativity while showcasing the talent of both adults and students. The ceremony, hosted by communications manager Massimo Boccucci, was attended by CONS president Christian Forcellini and the Secretary of State for Sport, Rossano Fabbri, along with the chair of the judging panel, journalist Xavier Jacobelli. A sports-themed concert by the Sammarinese Music Institute brought the curtain down on this edition of Sport in Fiera — one that confirmed the future of sport in San Marino rests on the enthusiasm of its young people, the passion of its Federations, and the ability of an entire country to come together around the values of sport.
