PRESS RELEASE
A GLOBAL DAY TO CELEBRATE, REMEMBER AND LOOK TO THE FUTURE
On June 12, the “Panathlon Day” is celebrated worldwide, marking the anniversary of the founding of Panathlon International in Venice in 1951.
It is an event that brings together hundreds of Clubs and thousands of Members, united by the belief in sport as a tool for development, education, and social cohesion.
The idea of establishing this international day was born in 2017 during the Pan-American Congress in Recife (Brazil), and since then it has become a shared and widely celebrated tradition across the globe. Each year, June 12 offers an opportunity to reaffirm Panathlon’s commitment to its core values: friendship, ethics, respect, fair play, and passion for sport.
“Panathlon Day” is not only a moment of celebration, but also a chance for reflection and renewal: an invitation to rediscover the roots of the Panathletic movement and to plan through events, meetings, and cultural initiatives promoted by each Club.
Once again, this year, Panathlon International invites all Clubs to create events that connect history with the present, creatively telling the story of the values that have inspired the Association for over seventy years. Each initiative will help build a large international mosaic, symbolizing a dynamic, united movement looking ahead to new challenges. It would be particularly meaningful to introduce initiatives or actions highlighting the important role of the family and school.
Starting next year, Panathlon International intends to suggest shared themes to explore.
From the headquarters in Rapallo, the heart of Panathlon International, we eagerly await stories and images from this day to tell together one great story: that of sport as a school of life.
A través de este video oficial de bienvenida, los organizadores del evento extienden una cálida invitación a todos los clubes, delegaciones, socios y simpatizantes del Panathlon a participar en este importante encuentro que reunirá a representantes de todo el continente americano.
El Congreso será una excelente oportunidad para compartir experiencias, reflexionar sobre los desafíos del deporte moderno, fortalecer la red de colaboración entre clubes y proyectar nuevas estrategias para el futuro del movimiento panathlético en América.
Toda la información actualizada sobre el programa, los ponentes, la logística, alojamiento y actividades complementarias está disponible en la página oficial del Congreso: https://panathlonchihuahua.com/
¡No te pierdas esta cita con el deporte, la ética y la amistad panamericana en el corazón del norte de México!
The World Fair Play Award Ceremony was held on 19 May, which is the World Fair Play Day of the United Nations, during which several candidates nominated by Panathlon Clubs were awarded.
For the 2024 awards, we would like to mention motorcyclist Filippo Rovelli, presented by Club La Malpensa, who received the “Pierre de Coubertin World Fair Play Trophy” for his ACT of Fair Play.
For the 2023 awards, we would like to mention Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of the Formula One Group, presented by the Panathlon Club Modena, who received the “Jean Borotra World Fair Play Trophy” for his long sporting career and the Panathlon Club Santiago de Chile, which received the World Fair Play Diploma in the "Willy Daume - Promotion" category.
In addition, the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) held its General Assembly and Executive Board meeting. The most significant moment of the day was the election of the new CIFP President. Sunil Sabharwal was elected to lead the Committee for the next four years. Former President Jenő Kamuti, who led the organisation with dedication for over two decades, was appointed Honorary President.
Following the tradition of having a representative of Panathlon International on the CIFP Board, Pierre Zappelli, former Judge and President Emeritus of Panathlon International, was warmly welcomed. His experience and knowledge of the international sports movement make him an ideal link between the two organisations.
PRESS RELEASE
Panathlon International and the Italian Fencing Federation join forces to promote the value of sport in mental health and social inclusion.
Panathlon International, in collaboration with the Italian Fencing Federation (FIS), is organising a thematic workshop entitled: ‘Sport and Mental Health: A Tool for Prevention and Social Inclusion’ in conjunction with the European Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place in Genoa from 13 to 19 June 2025.
On Tuesday 17 June at 9.30 a.m. at the Conference Hall of Villa Queirolo in Rapallo, headquarters of Panathlon International.
The workshop aims to:
• Examine the positive impact of sport on mental health, with a particular focus on fencing as a formative, educational and therapeutic discipline
• Highlight sport as a tool for preventing and combating distress, capable of offering opportunities for growth, relationships and recovery, especially for the most vulnerable sections of the population
• Promote dialogue between experts, athletes, sports managers, educators and institutional representatives, with the aim of promoting an integrated vision of mental and physical well-being through sport.
The speakers will be Giorgio Chinellato, President of Panathlon International, Luigi Mazzone, President of the Italian Fencing Federation, and Giovanni Lodetti as moderator, accompanied by authoritative specialists from the fields of psychology, sports medicine, education and sports management.
The meeting is open to the public, with a special invitation extended to young people, sports clubs, professionals in the sector, educators, health professionals and representatives of local institutions. With this initiative, Panathlon International and FIS confirm their commitment to promoting the ethical, educational and social role of sport, actively contributing to the construction of a culture of well-being based on inclusion, respect and solidarity.
We are also pleased to inform you that the workshop will be streamed live at the following link:
https://youtube.com/live/VS4NlLkdjxo?feature=share
On 14 and 15 May, Pierre Zappelli, Past President of Panathlon International (PI), took part in the 17th plenary meeting of the Advisory Committee of EPAS (Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport), which was held in Strasbourg. EPAS, which is part of the Council of Europe, is composed of three statutory bodies: the Executive Board, the Statutory Committee and the Advisory Committee, which work together to implement the objectives set out in the European Sports Charter of the Council of Europe in the member countries.
The Executive Board is made up of 32 of the 46 member countries of the Council of Europe, while the Advisory Committee includes 31 organisations (soon to become 35), including Panathlon International.
The meeting, which is held annually in person, was spread over two days.... During the Advisory Committee session, the topic discussed by PI was: ‘Sport and intergenerational challenges for young people and older persons - Bridging the gap between young people and older persons through sport’.
The PI shared some examples of significant projects, including the Friendly Games, launched in 2018, which has been implemented by numerous clubs, mainly in Italy but also in other countries including France and Belgium. Other similar projects were also presented, such as the “Panathliadi” of the Venice Club and the “Family Games” held in Switzerland....
Active and proactive participation in EPAS is essential, especially in view of its role in the drafting and implementation of the European Sports Charter, to which PI has also contributed. It should be emphasised that the Charter is implemented by the member states, not by organisations, whose main functions are to express opinions on the issues addressed and to provide advice based on the specific experience and expertise of each association.
Panathlon International has been confirmed as an active member of the EPAS Advisory Committee for another three years, until 2024.
The European Fair Play Movement's annual congress, awards ceremony, and general assembly took place on May 18 and 19 at the International Olympic Academy in ancient-Olympia, Greece. Organized under the auspices of the European Olympic Committees and the International Commission for Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSPSE), these events brought together 27 representatives from European Olympic Committees, European Olympic Academies, National Fair Play Committees, and European and international sports organizations.
On May 19, World Fair Play Day, the EFPM held its annual general assembly. This provided the opportunity to hold elections for all positions on the Board of Directors. The election of the new Executive Committee saw the re-election of the outgoing president for a further four-year term.
The Belgian Olympic athlete, founder of Panathlon Wallonia-Brussels, Philippe Housiaux, was re-elected for a further four-year term. declared: "Responsibility and pride; it is by a very large majority that the 29 countries and European institutions re-elected me as President of the European Fair Play Movement; my re-election in Olympia adds an additional dimension to the commitment I have had for so many years; I also appreciate the opportunity given to me to be able to give a positive impulse to the whole of Europe; the Panathlon Wallonia-Brussels school trained me for this; this appointment comes on May 19, World Fair Play Day; a project initiated in French-speaking Belgium in 2013; pride and responsibility."
The new Board of Directors for the next four (4) years is composed as follows:President Mr Philippe Housiaux (BEL)
• Vice-Presidents: Mrs Katarina Raczova (SVK) & Vice-President Mr Robert Perc (SLO)
• General Secretary: Mr Ioannis Psilopoulos (GRE)
• Treasurer: Mr Ivan Coste-Marniere (FRA) assisted by Mr Kasparas Sileikis (LIT)
• Members: Ms Mirna Ralje Brodanac (CRO), Mr Khazar Isayev (AZE) and Mr Selcuk Bora Cavusoglu (TUR).
Chair of the Scientific Committee: Thierry Zintz (BEL)
Saturday 24th May has taken place, online on Zoom platform, the Extraordinary General Assembly of Panathlon International, convened for the approval of the budgets for the biennium 2025/2026.
106 Clubs have registered to participate, together with numerous Panathletes connected to follow the works.
During the assembly, the International President Giorgio Chinellato illustrated some relevant aspects of the current activity and the future perspectives, giving a clear and articulate vision of Panathlon action at international level.
At the end of the works, it has been proceeded to the vote of the budgets which, with the following result: 39 votes in favour, 37 against and 6 abstained, have been approved.
A result that rewards the programme presented by the Board, even if it raises several questions about a reduced participation in the vote on which some reflection will be necessary.
The myth who renewed Italian boxing in the post-war period with his exploits has passed away. At the age of 87, Nino Benvenuti (his full first name was Giovanni) has died: an icon of the ring who won the hearts of fans with his victories.
The launching pad for the young Istrian, then Triestine by adoption, was in the Roman Olympics in which he won the gold medal before moving on to a super career among the professionals in which he managed to become superwelter and middleweight world champion. For tricolour boxing, the nights of the two matches he won over his fiercest Italian rival Sandro Mazzinghi remain iconic. How can we forget the world battles in New York with Emile Griffith, the beautiful victory over the American Rodriguez in Rome with a precise and powerful “hook” that remained an unforgettable flash. Then his career collided with the power and qualities of another super champion, the Argentine Carlos Monzon.
It was a fatal defeat, but one that did not affect the memory of his countless fans of a technically excellent boxer, but also of a delightful and intelligent person, who, with great gentility, managed to make himself appreciated humanly even by his opponents in the ring.
(Gianfranco Troina)
On May 14th, 2025, Panathlon International’s Culture, Research and Education Commission (PI-CREC) successfully hosted the second edition of its Webinar Series, focusing on the increasingly critical issue of match-fixing and betting integrity in sport.
The session, titled “Match-fixing and betting integrity: The challenge of the 21st century”, was coordinated by the PI-CREC Member, Fábio Figueiras (Portugal) and brought together experts and members of the Panathlon community for an evening of education, debate, and awareness-raising.
The event opened at 21:00 (CET) with greetings from Fábio Figueiras, who then gave the floor to Giorgio Chinellato, President of Panathlon International. In his welcome message, President Chinellato emphasized the importance of tackling corruption in sport and upholding Panathlon’s values of fair play and ethics.
At 21:10, João Paulo Almeida delivered a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation covering the main concepts, challenges, and emerging trends in match-fixing. This set the stage for the interactive panel discussion that followed.
Beginning at 21:30, panelists Nuno Perestrelo, João Paulo Almeida, and Fábio Figueiras explored key topics such as:
• Role of education and Panathlon Clubs contribution to this
• Responsibilities of sports federations and the media
• Key risks, including illegal betting and inside Information
At 21:50, the discussion was opened to questions from the audience.
The webinar concluded at 22:05 with a summary and final remarks by Fábio Figueiras, who underscored the need for continued dialogue, international cooperation, and proactive solutions to safeguard the integrity of sport.
To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, the session was conducted in Portuguese, with automatic subtitle translation into multiple languages available through Zoom.
Panathlon International thanks all speakers, participants, and attendees for their valuable contributions. The Commission remains committed to promoting ethical values in sport through education, dialogue, and awareness-raising initiatives.
Rapallo, 19 May 2025
When the United Nations recognised the importance of Fair Play in Sport
By establishing the 19th May as International Fair Play Day, the United Nations unequivocally recognises the global importance and the profoundly humanistic nature of this attitude in sport (the world's largest organised 'community'), which should be the very essence of civilised relations, contributing to the creation of a fairer and more inclusive society.
Historically, the promotion of Fair Play has been supported by important international institutions such as the International Fair Play Committee (IFCP), Panathlon International (PI) and the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM). However, the UN proclamation adds a strong global signal to consolidate this commitment and give new impulse to the tireless advocates of this mindset. World Fair Play Day, rooted in the work of these organisations, is now officially recognised as a worldwide day of celebration, inviting everyone to reflect and act on the meaning of a fair and respectful behaviour in sport and in everyday life.