Webinar Series - Panathlon International: Focus on Ghent 2026
9 April 2026 - Panathlon International is preparing for a moment of great significance: the 23rd International Congress, to be held in Ghent (Belgium) from 4 to 7 June 2026, marking the 75th anniversary of the Association’s commitment to promoting ethics and values in sport.
The recent webinar offered a comprehensive preview of the Congress, highlighting its vision and structure. The event brought together representatives from all over the world, reinforcing Panathlon’s international dimension and its role within the Olympic Movement and the European institutional context.
The programme was designed to combine tradition and innovation.
The first day was dedicated to sports diplomacy, youth engagement and governance, exploring the role of sport as a tool for dialogue, inclusion and cooperation between cultures.
Particular attention was paid to young people, not only as participants but as future ambassadors of sporting values.
The second day addressed key issues such as integrity and good governance in sport, with contributions from international institutions, the academic world and industry experts. This reflects Panathlon International’s growing commitment to the global debate on transparency, ethics and accountability in sport.
Alongside the Congress, the Best Practices Exhibition was also launched, inviting Clubs and Districts to present their projects and their impact on the local community. The contributions gathered will be compiled into a digital handbook, creating a shared repository of experiences and best practices.
The Ghent Congress represents not only a celebration of 75 years of history, but above all a strategic opportunity to look to the future, strengthen international cooperation and reaffirm Panathlon International’s mission: to promote sport as a tool for education, ethics and social development.
YOULEAD: Organizational meeting among partners for the June transnational meeting
Monday, April 13, a coordination meeting took place between the Project Coordinator, Panathlon International, and the University of Montenegro, which, Work Package (WP) Leader, is organising the next Transnational Project Meeting (TPM), to be held in Podgorica in June. The meeting focused on logistical arrangements, organisational planning, and key coordination aspects among partners.
The official agenda will be shared shortly with all consortium partners.
The YOULEAD Project is a 30-month initiative funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme. Coordinated by Panathlon International, the project aims to promote more inclusive, democratic, and gender-balanced leadership structures in sport organisations by empowering young people and strengthening their participation in governance and decision-making processes at local, national, and European levels.
“Poster Showcase: where every image counts — join us! Watch the video.”
Poster Showcase Project: Great turnout and lots of enthusiasm!
Yesterday evening, 30 March at 8.00 pm CET, an information session dedicated to the Poster Showcase project took place, attended by no fewer than 23 participants.
The event was characterised by a positive atmosphere and the genuine interest shown by the clubs present, who asked targeted and constructive questions. In particular, attention focused on the procedures for submitting projects – confirming that projects from previous years are also eligible, provided they have already been completed – and on how to prepare the presentation materials.
The valuable work of the working group, coordinated by CRE President Antonio Bramante, in support of the initiative was also highlighted.
It was clarified that the poster will be produced directly by the Secretariat, with the invaluable support of Club Vlaanderen, thus relieving participants of this organisational burden.
A well-attended and energetic meeting, which once again confirms the desire to collaborate and share valuable experiences within our network. Next meeting in two weeks’ time: keep following us for all the updates!
Welcome to Sander Renson! A new Erasmus experience at Panathlon International
On Monday, 23 March 2026, Panathlon International had the pleasure of welcoming Mr Sander Renson to its headquarters in Rapallo. He arrived in Italy to undertake an Erasmus internship, on a voluntary basis, within the framework of the International Sports Diplomacy Master Program.
The study programme is promoted by the Hungarian University of Sports Science, a prestigious academic institution based in Budapest, internationally recognised for its education in the fields of sport and sports diplomacy.
During his stay, Mr Renson will be engaged at the offices of Panathlon International and will subsequently continue his internship also in online mode. He will have the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the organisation’s activities and the work of the General Secretariat, with particular focus on the organisation of international events and on the poster project addressed to Clubs in preparation for the International Congress. Also actively developing future projects and cooperation initiatives to strenghten the mission of Panathlon International.
On 25 March, he had the opportunity to introduce himself to the members of the International Council during an online meeting, sharing his background and his interest in the activities of the Panathlon movement.
This initiative represents an important opportunity for mutual exchange and growth, strengthening the dialogue between the academic world and sports institutions, in line with the mission of Panathlon International to promote the ethical and cultural values of sport.
It is also a matter of great satisfaction to note that Mr Renson has recently been elected President of the Panathlon Club International Vlaanderen, a role that reflects his commitment to the movement. Participants in the International Congress and the General Assembly in Ghent will also have the opportunity to meet him in person.
Panathlon International extends its warmest welcome to Mr Renson and wishes him a fruitful and rewarding period of work and training.
The IPACS Handbook on Sport Governance is now also available in Italian and German
The Reference Handbook and Guidelines for Sport Governance, presented at the 8th IPACS Annual General Conference in October 2025, is now also available in Italian and German.
The new versions have been published in the section on good governance within the IPACS toolkit, alongside the editions already available in English, French and Spanish.
Among the organisations that took part in the IPACS meetings was Panathlon International, which is committed to promoting ethical values in sport.
The IPACS Support Office expressed its gratitude to the Swiss Government, which contributed to the translation of the Handbook into the two new languages to facilitate its wider dissemination.
Global Winner of the 2025 IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Awards
Abhijit Bhattacharya named Global Winner of the 2025 IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Awards
Abhijit Bhattacharya, a former captain of the Indian men’s national volleyball team, has been named the Global Winner of the 2025 International Olympic Committee (IOC) Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Champions Award for his impactful grassroots initiatives in rural India, ensuring equal access and visibility for girls and boys in sport.
Alongside the global award, five continental winners have also been recognised:
Africa: Racheal Kundananji, Zambia
Americas: Mónica Elvira Franco Luzcando, Panama
Asia: Kim Yeon-koung OLY, South Korea
Europe: Michele Kang, France
Oceania: Robyn Cockburn, New Zealand
Ghent 2026: host city of the 23rd Panathlon International Congress, the 52nd General Assembly and the Jacques Rogge Award ceremony
From 4 to 7 June 2026, the charming city of Ghent will host the 23rd International Congress, the 52nd Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly and the Panathlon International Jacques Rogge Award ceremony.
This is a major event for the Panathletic movement, which will bring together delegates and representatives from numerous countries to celebrate 75 years of Panathlon International and discuss issues relating to sport, ethics and sporting culture.
The proceedings will take place at the Scala Event Centre, a modern conference facility that is easily accessible and equipped with affiliated hotels.
The International Congress will open on the afternoon of Thursday 4 June with the first session and will continue the morning of 5 June. In the afternoon participants will move to Ghent City Hall for the institutional reception and the Jacques Rogge Award ceremony, followed by a dinner in the historic city centre.
Saturday 6 June will be dedicated to the 52nd Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly of Panathlon International with proposals to amend the PI Statute. If necessary, the Extraordinary Assembly may continue Sunday 7 June.
The day will conclude with the Communication Award, celebrations for the 75th Anniversary of PI and the Gala Dinner.
Links for reservations and further details will be announced shortly.
The event promises to be an important moment of gathering and celebration for the international Panathletic community. We look forward to seeing you there!
XXIII Panathlon International Congress “Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport”
Save the Date!
4th - 5th June 2026
Ghent (Belgium)
XXIII Panathlon International Congress
“Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport”
Fair Play Awards return to Italy for Milano Cortina 2026
Fair Play Awards return to Italy for Milano Cortina 2026, 62 years after first honour
With Milano Cortina 2026, the Fair Play Awards will spotlight standout acts of sportsmanship, integrity and solidarity from the Olympic Winter Games. Here’s how to submit your vote.
Read the article and vote!
Votes can be submitted via this dedicated link: