The PI Expansion Commission, the International Board and the District Presidents' Committee met on 28 and 29 October at the General Secretariat in Rapallo, both in person and via zoom connection.
Many items were on the agenda of the meetings and the various topics were addressed and discussed.
First the Expansion Commission, attended by President Patrick Van Camphenout (B), Bruno Catelin (F), Fabio Figueiras (P) and Francesco Garbarini (I), gave an overview of the current situation of PI and a presentation and discussion on strategies to promote our Association in new countries. In particular on the possibility of new contacts with European and North African countries. In addition, CI Luis Moreno (Per), sent a report on the development of the Movement in new countries in South America.
In the afternoon the work continued with the District Presidents' Committee (present: Austria, Belgium, Italy, France, Switzerland and remotely: Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru (IB member Luis Moreno), Uruguay, - Bolivia and Brazil connected the next day) together with the President’s Committee.
Before reviewing the activities of the various Districts, the President greeted those present and presented the activities of the Presidency, from the participation in the FIMS Congress to the inclusion of PI in EPAS. The General Secretary then continued with the activity carried out by the General Secretariat, illustrating the various PI projects and the participation of Clubs. Particular attention was given to the Fair-Play project in schools. The Secretary of District France and the President of the Lisbon Club were present at the meeting. Fabio Figueiras, President of Club Lisbon, brought his experience of collaboration with the University, the Government, and the Olympic Committee.
After discussion the following day, a final document was drafted. It is currently being finalised by e-mail, as not all the District Presidents are present.
On 29 October, the day was entirely dedicated to the International Board. As only half of the agenda was discussed, a new meeting will be held via zoom in November to complete the topics to be dealt with. The meeting highlighted the need to improve communication to and from the Districts, Areas and Clubs. The IB therefore drafted a recommendation. In addition, it was decided to prepare a short report to be sent through our NL on the decisions of the meetings, specifying that in any case all the decisions of the PC and the IB are published on the website and sent to all International Bodies and District Presidents. It was also decided to send each panathlete a "questionnaire" that could provide the PI executives with their vision, thoughts and ideas after the pandemic crisis. A large part of the work was then dedicated to the proposed changes to PI Statute, which include changes in the composition of the IB. The next meeting will define the document to be sent to all Clubs, Areas and Districts, to be known and disseminated in order to collect any considerations. The next meeting will deal with the "2022-2026 strategic plan of PI" to be presented at the next General Assembly (which will be held in Lausanne), the Flambeau d'Or, the Pan-American Congress, the collaboration agreements with ISCA, FICTS and Sport for Nature, the possibility to join EwoS "Healthy Lifestyle for All”, the reports of the International Board Members and of the President of the Expansion Commission, the calendar of events 2022 and the launch of a new Photography Contest of the Chiesa Foundation.
Finally, the candidature of the Club of Agrigento to hold the elective General Assembly of PI in 2024 in their city was accepted.
The days of intense work came to an end at 7.00 p.m. and those present left the premises to meet again for dinner and the 70th Celebration Ceremony the following day.
