The fourteenth Citizenship Award went to a Belgian personality. Michel Pradolini is not only a successful and committed entrepreneur, but he is also the founder, inspirer and president of City Pirates, a widely supported social project and football club active in several neighbourhoods of Antwerp, which has 1,200 young people as its waiting lists grow.
Michel Pradolini, born 11 February 1962 in Merksem, was active as a ship's cook for 10 years.
Started as a cook's mate and finished as chief cook aboard De Fabiolaville (the last Belgian "Congo" passenger ship) in 1987. Then worked for several companies as catering manager.
In 1992, founded IFS (International Food Services), a successful all-in maritime catering company. From 2005, this included a chef school in the Philippines, where chefs are trained and prepared for life on board. In 2011, IFS Singapore is founded, currently the largest Hub.
Becomes chairman of the football club Koninklijke Merksem Antwerpen-Noord Sporting Club (KMANSC) in 2004, renamed Koninklijke Sporting Club City Pirates Antwerpen (City Pirates) in 2014.
(Download PDF Laureate 2018)
