“PEOPLE MATTER”: The WEmbrace Awards return on October 29th

The charity gala organised by Bebe Vio and the art4sport Foundation is back for the fourth year running. In 2026, the Hotel VIU Milan will once again be one of the main partners of the initiative, which celebrates the value of people and raises funds to provide prosthetics and sports aids to young athletes.

This year, ‘PEOPLE MATTER’ will be the theme of the awards, as outlined in the official press release:

The fourth edition of the charity gala promoted by Bebe Vio and the art4sport Foundation celebrates the value of individuals and raises funds to provide sports prostheses and adaptive equipment to young athletes.

Milan, October 8th, 2026 – On thursday, October 29th, 2026, Palazzo del Ghiaccio in Milan will host the fourth edition of WEmbrace Awards, the major charitable and cultural event conceived and promoted by the art4sport Foundation, founded on the initiative of Paralympic champion Beatrice “Bebe” Vio Grandis together with her parents, Teresa Grandis and Ruggero Vio.

THE 2026 THEME: “PEOPLE MATTER”

After exploring the values of uniqueness and collective action in previous years, the new edition of WEmbrace Awards focuses on a universal message: “People Matter – Always”. The initiative aims to put the individual back at the center, along with their vulnerabilities and extraordinary uniqueness, and to demonstrate how sharing life experiences can break down barriers and transform differences into opportunities for encounter, dialogue, and mutual enrichment. WEmbrace thus confirms its status as an inclusive movement capable of giving a voice to those who inspire the community with their example. The heart of the event consists of stories that bear great social value, identified by art4sport’s permanent Observatory among over one hundred international candidates, divided into the initiative’s four spheres of interest: The World, Opportunity, Action, and Creativity.

«People Matter is the deep belief upon which we have built the entire WEmbrace movement and our Foundation. People matter, always, in all ways. Diversity shouldn’t scare us; it is the most beautiful opportunity we have to get to know one another and grow together. With WEmbrace Awards, we want to prove that by giving ourselves the chance to connect and by supporting the right to play sports for all young people, we can truly transform the future,» states Beatrice “Bebe” Vio Grandis.

THE GOAL: SPORT AS THERAPY AND A RIGHT

The event has a concrete objective: to raise funds to support children and young people with limb amputations who are assisted by the Foundation throughout Italy. Because high-tech sports prostheses and equipment are not included in the Essential Levels of Care (LEA) guaranteed by the Italian National Health Service, art4sport finances and builds them directly. All proceeds from the evening will be destined to the purchase of cutting-edge prostheses, running blades, and sports wheelchairs—essential tools that enable young people to regain their independence through sport.

«Every year, WEmbrace Awards represent a moment of extraordinary energy and emotion for our big family. Our primary goal remains concrete: raising funds to give our kids the tools they need to run, play, and achieve their dreams. Sincere thanks go to the jury, the institutions, and all the partners and sponsors who choose to walk alongside us,»highlights Teresa Grandis, President of the art4sport Foundation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF OUR SUPPORTERS

The event is supported by Main Partners Damiani, Hotel VIU Milan, KoRo, Sorgenia, Toyota, and Venini; Corporate Partners Barilla, Castagner, Circi Holding, FENDI, Fondazione Maggie, L’Oréal Paris, McCann Worldgroup, OMEGA, Progetto Robotti, Promotica, Quadro

Advertising, Technogym, and Volvo Penta; and Technical Partners Ferrari Trento, Tenute Lunelli, Surgiva, Helba, and Zafferano.

The menu for the evening will be curated by Chef Carlo Cracco.

In line with a format designed to offer great surprises to participants, details regarding the hosts, guests, and award winners will only be revealed during the evening of October 29th.

About Fondazione art4sport

The art4sport Foundation was established as an association in 2009 with the goal of promoting sport as therapy for the physical and psychological recovery of children and young people with limb prostheses. Over the years, the project has grown into a national benchmark for supporting youth Paralympic sport.

The Foundation works to tangibly improve the quality of life for young people and their families by purchasing prostheses, wheelchairs, and sports equipment, facilitating access to sport, and fostering an increasingly inclusive culture. To learn more: www.art4sport.org