SILVER PLAQUE

PINZOLO INTERNATIONAL ALPINE
SOLIDARITY AWARD

by Angiolino Binelli

In 1972, while I was commander in chief of the Alpine Rescue Squad Station in Pinzolo, on my way back from a very difficult rescue operation, I took the decision to establish a prize for those who risk their life for the others. The Pinzolo International Alpine Solidarity Award was born back then, and ever since, year after year, it awards those who have distinguished themselves in alpine rescue operations.
The Silver Plaque gets its inspiration from the simplicity and straightforwardness of mountain people and from the principles of true human solidarity; it awards those who leave home, work and family apart, to run there where someone needs help, without asking anything in exchange.
The award can be assigned also to doctors, service managing directors, firemen, alpine guides, civilians and soldiers or even to journalists who have drawn the attention to the efforts, the risks and the sacrifices carried out in order to save mountaineers in danger.
A committe examines with seriuosness every nomination that gets to the Pinzolo Office every year and chooses under their own responsibility and counsciousness, the winner.
The award consists of a Silver Plaque and a Golden Medal with the engraved reason for the award.
This acknowledgement is a symbol for the human and moral values of those who sacrifice themselves to other people.
From its 25th edition on, the prize has been supported by the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic and the particular blessing of the Pope.