Ah, the Quarenghi Award! A delightful nod to the unsung heroes of the sporting world – those who get to wear white coats and wield syringes instead of shin pads and tennis racquets. It’s like giving a standing ovation to the guy who mops the floor after a football match; you know he’s doing important work, but it’s not exactly what he dreams of growing up to be. So, grab your popcorn because we’re diving into this glitzy affair happening on **Monday 18 November** at the luxurious Hotel Bigio in San Pellegrino Terme. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: ‘Should I wear pants for this one?’ The answer is undoubtedly yes, unless, of course, you’re rolling in with a PhD in sports medicine!
Picture this: the room brimming with sporting elites, past and present, probably recounting their infamous locker room stories while half-heartedly congratulating Dr. Rodolfo Tavana. You remember him, right? The health manager of mighty Milan from **1987 to 2003**? The man practically invented medical wizardry with a stethoscope during the golden years, when Milan was winning championships faster than you can say ‘offside rule’. This is, after all, the era of phenomenal legends like Sacchi, Gullit and Van Basten — if they were any more legendary, they’d be mythical creatures!
Now, let’s talk about the award itself. The **Quarenghi Award** is like the **Nobel Prize** of sports medicine; a rigorous acknowledgment of talent that definitely isn’t awarded for just handing out ice packs! Designed by the talented artist Elia Ajolfi, this sculpture isn’t just your average trophy. It might come with the sort of prestige that makes your mother proud, ‘Oh, look! My son won an award for being a doctor in sports. What’s your son doing? Still deciding whether to own a cat or a dog?’ Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? But I digress.
As we dissect the past victories of Dr. Tavana, it reads like an Olympic rings of credentials and achievements that could make your head spin faster than a cyclist during a sprint finish. Not only did he work with the golden Milan team, but his accolades extend to skiing, basketball, athletics, and everything in between. You might want to consider him as the Swiss army knife of sports medicine. One minute he’s fixing a sprained ankle on a ski slope, and the next, he’s doping out the competition at a cycling tournament. Who needs Google when you have Dr. Tavana? Just don’t ask him for stock tips!
The Quarenghi Award was first given out in **1995** in memory of Dr. Angelo Quarenghi, a prominent figure in the field of sports medicine. Since then, it has become an exclusive badge of honor for physicians navigating the likely circus that is modern sports. The list of past recipients reads like a who’s who of medical Marvels! I mean, Kenneth H. Cooper, a former colonel for Oklahoma’s Air Force? Talk about a man who could literally take flight! And who isn’t curious about Jean-Luc Truelle, the neurologist who probably told athletes, ‘Just think happy thoughts, and you’ll win gold’? Where do I sign up?
In this age of influencers posing with protein shakes and saying, ‘Fitness is my passion,’ it’s refreshing to see that there are places where actual qualifications are celebrated. So, here’s to the **Quarenghi Award**, and here’s to Dr. Tavana — may your accolades keep stacking up like a Lothar Matthäus trophy case! If you’re in San Pellegrino Terme on **November 18**, don your best attire, appreciate the traditions, and don’t forget to hug a doctor — preferably one with a PhD and not the kind that tries to fix your ‘sports’ issues after one too many Saturday night pints.
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The BG Panathlon Club, in partnership with the Orobico Provincial Coni and the Quarenghi family, announced that they will bestow the prestigious Quarenghi Award to the eminent sports doctor Dr. Rodolfo Tavana. This honor, which includes a distinctive sculpture crafted by renowned artist Elia Ajolfi, recognizes the significant contributions of exceptional individuals in the field of sports medicine. Dr. Tavana is celebrated primarily for his influential tenure as the health manager of Milan from 1987 to 2003, during an era marked by remarkable achievements, featuring legendary players such as Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, and the tactical genius of Arrigo Sacchi.
The award ceremony will take place on Monday, November 18th at 8:30 PM, hosted within the elegant Party Hall of the Hotel Bigio situated in the picturesque San Pellegrino Terme. Following a cherished tradition, guests will include several esteemed figures from both historical and contemporary sporting circles. According to Dr. Giampietro Salvi, the president of the Quarenghi Cup Committee, “The Quarenghi Award honors a globally recognized sports doctor each year to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Angelo Quarenghi.” Dr. Quarenghi was not only a pivotal figure in the world of sports medicine but also served the legendary Helenio Herrera’s Inter team, along with champions like Felice Gimondi, Giacomo Agostini, and Sara Simeoni. This accolade is uniquely distinguished as a sort of Nobel Prize for sports medicine, highlighting the vital role of sports doctors in athletic success.
THE AWARDED – Dr. Tavana, widely recognized for his remarkable role as health manager of Milan during their golden years, oversaw a period that resulted in an impressive tally of 6 Championships and 4 Champions Leagues. His extensive career in sports medicine spans multiple disciplines, including skiing, basketball, and athletics. Notably, during his university days, he served as a basketball coach and athletic trainer. His professional journey commenced at the regional Sports Medicine center in Milan (FMSI), where he worked as a doctor from 1978 to 1985. He held the position of doctor in charge of the national A cross-country skiing team (FISI) from 1979 to 1984, subsequently serving as the medical coordinator for the national Nordic skiing teams until 1988. His contributions included serving as the team doctor for the women’s basketball team Comense from 1980 until 1987 and as the social doctor for Pro Patria’s athletics team, supporting Olympic and World champion athletes from 1983 to 1987.
He represented the national cross-country skiing team at the notable 1984 Sarajevo Olympics and contributed as a CONI doctor during the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Dr. Tavana was also present at various Nordic World Ski Championships during the early to mid-1980s. His involvement with the Italian national athletics team spanned 1986 to 1987, which included high-profile events like the European athletics championships in Stuttgart (1986) and the World Athletics Championships in Rome (1987). In addition to clinical roles, he served as an Orthopedic and Traumatologist Assistant at the Giussano Hospital between 1980 and 1985. His influence also extended to anti-doping controls at the Giro d’Italia in 1982 and Serie A matches from 1981 to 1985. Most recently, he acted as the health manager for Milan until June 30, 2017, and for Turin from 2017 to 2020.
GOLDEN BOOK – Since its inception in 1995, the Angiolino Quarenghi Award has celebrated exemplary figures in sports medicine in memory of Dr. Angelo Quarenghi, who notably served the legendary Inter team of Helenio Herrera. The award has recognized a plethora of distinguished recipients, including Alfredo Calligaris, the former athletic trainer for Atalanta and the national football team, alongside Leonardo Vecchiet, who was the long-serving doctor for the Italian national football squad. Furthermore, it has honored internationally renowned personalities such as Kenneth H. Cooper, a distinguished medical examiner and Jean-Luc Truelle, an esteemed neurologist. Recent laureates include Mario Ireneo Sturla and Marko Vidnjevič, who promoted scientific collaborations, alongside Maurizio Casasco, president of Italian sports doctors, and last year’s awardee, Petra Zupet, who has made notable contributions as the doctor for Slovenia’s national rowing and gymnastics teams.
What is the purpose of the Quarenghi Award in the field of sports medicine?
**Interview with Dr. Giampietro Salvi: President of the Quarenghi Cup Committee**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Salvi! We’re excited to talk about the upcoming Quarenghi Award. Can you tell us a bit about its significance in the world of sports medicine?
**Dr. Salvi:** Absolutely! The Quarenghi Award honors exceptional sports doctors who have made impactful contributions to the field. It’s our way of recognizing the unsung heroes—those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure athletes are at their best. This award is like the Nobel Prize of sports medicine, and we’re proud to celebrate their valuable roles.
**Editor:** This year, Dr. Rodolfo Tavana will be receiving the award. What makes his contributions stand out?
**Dr. Salvi:** Dr. Tavana played an instrumental role as health manager of AC Milan from 1987 to 2003, during their golden era. He was essential in the club’s success, overseeing six championships and four Champions Leagues. His expertise extends beyond football; he has made significant contributions to skiing, basketball, and athletics. His vast knowledge and experience are precisely why he deserves this recognition.
**Editor:** The award includes a unique sculpture designed by Elia Ajolfi. How important is the artistic representation in the award’s overall concept?
**Dr. Salvi:** The sculpture not only symbolizes excellence in sports medicine but also embodies the spirit and dedication of practitioners in this field. Art has a way of transcending the ordinary—and we wanted the award to be as memorable as the achievements it recognizes. It’s a beautiful blend of art and science, celebrating both the medical and athletic realms.
**Editor:** The ceremony is set for November 18th at Hotel Bigio. What can attendees expect from the event?
**Dr. Salvi:** It will be a glamorous evening! We expect a gathering of sporting elites, from past legends to contemporary stars, sharing stories and celebrating achievements. Of course, we’ll also hear from Dr. Tavana and other notable figures in sports medicine. It’s a night dedicated to honoring excellence and the impactful work done behind the scenes.
**Editor:** In your view, how does the Quarenghi Award help raise awareness about the importance of sports medicine?
**Dr. Salvi:** By highlighting the achievements of individuals like Dr. Tavana, we build recognition for the critical role sports doctors play in athletic performance. In an era where influencers and quick-fix fitness advice dominate, it’s crucial for us to champion the educated professionals who contribute to athletes’ health and success.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Salvi, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing the event unfold and celebrating Dr. Tavana’s remarkable achievements.
**Dr. Salvi:** Thank you! We’re thrilled to shine a light on this vital field, and we hope to see many people joining us on November 18th!
