Panathlon International

The meetings of the International Board and the PI President’s Committee, held on 10 and 12 September in person and online, focused on strategic issues for the future of the Movement.

At the international level, they confirmed the participation in RelazionExpo in Verona (26 October) with a round table and presentations dedicated to PI and partner projects. The IB also welcomed the joint declaration, supported by the PI, of Kärnten-Alpe Adria, Area 12 Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Slovenija for the promotion of shared values, the possibility of relaunching and extending the Caregiving Expo L.104 project at European level and, with great satisfaction, authorised the reopening of the District Chile thanks to the establishment of the new Valdivia Club.

Ample space was also given to training and communication: a training plan for all positions, refresher courses for the Secretariat and a video aimed at clubs to strengthen their common identity are currently being studied. Meanwhile, the second issue of the new PI Magazine, translated into six languages with the support of the AI, will be the subject of a survey aimed at members to verify its suitability.

The European University Sports Association's proposal to collaborate on the European Week of Winter Sport was welcomed, while attention is already turning to the “Musketeers” conference (Milan, February 2026), where PI will speak on the ethics of artificial intelligence. The process of including the Ethics Commission in the Statutes has also been initiated and the commemorative badge for the 75th anniversary of the Movement has been approved.

There were also updates on the Clubs: the closure of the Le Cannet-Rocheville Club was regretfully acknowledged, while the opening of the Santo Domingo PC was celebrated.

Finally, the Board thanked the Board members for their commitment to their duties and confirmed its desire to strengthen the international network by spreading the values of Panathlon through increasingly broad and concrete initiatives.

BRUSSELS – 23–25 September 2025

International President Giorgio Chinellato, accompanied by International Board Member Fabiano Gerevini, was welcomed by the President of the District Belgium, Paul Standaert, and by the Vice President of the Panathlon Club EU Brussels, Antonella Pederiva, for a series of institutional meetings at the European Community over the next three days.

The visit represents an important opportunity to strengthen the presence and role of Panathlon International within European institutions, fostering dialogue on key issues related to sport, ethics, and culture.

During their stay, the PI delegation will also meet the Belgian Clubs and take part in the event organised by the Brussels EU Club, a moment of exchange and sharing with local panathletes.

In the photo, the first official meeting: the PI delegation with Mr. Bogdan Zdrojewski, Vice-President of the Culture Commission of the European Parliament. The meeting opened a constructive exchange of views on the role of sport as an educational and social tool, with particular attention to the Hikikomori project, which the Vice-President expressed interest in presenting to the European Parliament.

Visit to the offices of the EOC (European Olympic Committee in Brussels), welcomed by Office Manager Dr. Carlotta Giussani.

From left: Peter Verboven, President of the PCU Committee; Fabiano Gerevini, International Councillor of Panathlon International; Kole Gjeloshaj, President of Panathlon Wallonie-Bruxelles; Giorgio Chinellato, International President of Panathlon International; Paul Standaert, President of the Belgian District of Panathlon International.

Fabiano Gerevini, Agata Dziarnowska  Collaborator of European Commissioner Glenn Micallef, Giorgio Chinellato, Paul Standaert

On July 30th, the President’s Committee of Panathlon International held an online meeting – an important opportunity for discussion and planning before the traditional August break.

During the meeting, the members reviewed the KPI (Key Performance Indicator) reports to be submitted to the IOC, covering both ongoing activities for 2025 and the final report for the previous year.

Several important topics were addressed, including the revision of the Statutory Charters, the situation in the District Ecuador following the resignation of its President, the possible re-establishment of the District Chile, and the Secretariat’s renewed commitment to managing the translations (using AI for the first time) of the official Magazine. This will be done with the crucial support and collaboration of volunteer members who have offered to proofread the translations in various languages. The proposal to organize new webinars was also discussed.

Among the highlighted projects, there was a discussion about Ethos Universitas, an initiative launched by University Panathlon Clubs with the goal of building a network among universities that share the ethical values of sport – a project that confirms PI’s strong commitment to the academic world.

The President’s Committee also approved several sponsorship requests received for numerous international initiatives, reflecting the growing relevance and visibility of Panathlon International on a global scale. In particular, the President announced a collaboration with RelazionExpo 2025, an event that will be held in Verona. Panathlon International will play a leading role with a conference on October 26th, during which partnerships with FICTS, Hikikomori Italia, One-Ocean Foundation, and the Milano-Cortina Foundation will be presented.

Significant attention was given to planning the upcoming conference in collaboration with the Musketeers, scheduled for February 12th, 2026, at the Lombardy Region headquarters, before the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games. The theme – highly topical – will focus on the challenges of Artificial Intelligence applied to sport.

The meeting included a discussion of the major upcoming international event to be held in Ghent from June 4–7, 2026, where Panathlon International will be a key player with a rich program: Ordinary and Extraordinary Assembly, International Congress, 75th Anniversary celebrations, the Communication Award ceremony in memory of Henrique Nicolini, and the prestigious Flambeau d’Or in memory of Antonio Spallino, as well as numerous institutional meetings to be held on-site.

Finally, the institutional calendar for the post-summer period was updated, with revised dates for some official meetings and several engagements scheduled from September onwards. Among them: a meeting during the event organized by the Panathlon Club Brussels EU on September 24th, with top officials from the European Commission’s Sports Unit and several Members of the European Parliament; a meeting with the District France attended by Past-President Pierre Zappelli; the awarding of the Panathlon International – CSIT World Games Prize in October, given to international figures who have demonstrated exemplary careers grounded in sporting ethics; and participation in the Pan American Congress in Chihuahua (Mexico).

It was a meeting rich in content and prospects, confirming Panathlon International’s vitality and its ability to generate new initiatives that promote the values of sport worldwide.

PRESS RELEASE

Panathlon International (PI), a cultural and sporting association active in 31 countries across 4 continents, is launching a major international project focused on social inclusion, youth mental health, and the promotion of sports values.

The International President, Giorgio Chinellato, together with the new International Board, has made the Hikikomori Project one of the strategic priorities at the start of his mandate. The initiative is in collaboration with Hikikomori Italia ETS (HI), the national reference organization for awareness and intervention regarding the phenomenon of youth social withdrawal.

Sports and Culture as a Response to Youth Distress

The project stems from a desire to provide concrete tools to address a growing global issue affecting thousands of adolescents and young adults who gradually isolate themselves from social, educational, and professional life.

The Japanese term hikikomori – now internationally recognized – describes a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary and coordinated response.

In this context, sport is proposed as a privileged vehicle for rebuilding relationships, restoring self-esteem, and reconnecting young people with their communities.

Thanks to its widespread network of clubs and its strong ethical and cultural mission, Panathlon International is an ideal partner to promote a concrete and coordinated approach at the local level.

Contents of the Agreement

The collaboration between PI and HI has been formalized through a three-year memorandum of understanding, which includes:

Awareness and outreach campaigns via Panathlon’s official channels (newsletters, press releases, social media, and publications) targeted at members, club leaders, schools, families, and institutions;

Direct involvement of Panathlon Clubs in the implementation of local initiatives, school projects, information campaigns, and educational activities aimed at young people and their families;

Participation in cultural events, conferences, webinars, and roundtable discussions organized by PI’s Commission for Culture, Science, and Education;

Scientific and technical support from Hikikomori Italia ETS through the provision of informational materials, expert involvement, promotion of support groups, and sharing of best practices already active in Italy;

Both organizations also commit to ensuring mutual communication and visibility by integrating logos and links across their official channels.

The shared goal is to expand the project internationally, involving, where possible, other institutional partners and like-minded organizations in countries where Panathlon International operates.

"This agreement represents a concrete step toward social responsibility in sports. We want our clubs to become sensitive antennas in their communities, capable of identifying youth distress and turning it into a journey of recovery through sport, culture, and human connection," said President Giorgio Chinellato.

Marco Crepaldi, psychologist and President of Hikikomori Italia ETS, also expressed enthusiasm for the initiative:

"I thank Panathlon International for its sensitivity to mental health issues, and especially to the topic of voluntary social withdrawal. Their support will be essential in advancing our mission."

On July 3, 2025, FIMBA and Panathlon International presented the Fair Play Award during the Eduardo Award Ceremony, held at the official dinner of the 17th Maxibasketball World Championship, which took place in Ticino, Switzerland, in 2025.

The award was presented by Mr. Stefano Giulieri, Vice President of Panathlon International; Mr. Rubén Rodríguez Lamas, member of the Arbitration Board of Panathlon International; and Mr. Jorge Minuto, President of the Argentine District, in honor of the Angolan women’s national team, celebrating its 40th anniversary. This marked the first Fair Play Award received in Africa from these two institutions.

Representatives from 50 countries attended and listened attentively to the speech given by the Vice President of Panathlon International.

The agreement between Panathlon International and FIMBA for the award ceremony sparked interest from several countries, allowing concerns and requests from all five continents to be gathered.

Olympic Day

RAPALLO, June 17 – The workshop "Sport and Mental Health: A Tool for Prevention and Social Inclusion" was held in Rapallo in the beautiful setting of Villa Queirolo, the headquarters of Panathlon International. 

A valuable opportunity for discussion and in-depth exploration of a highly relevant topic, involving athletes, sports leaders, and the entire community.

The event was also attended by the Mayor of Rapallo, Elisabetta Ricci, along with numerous local authorities and institutional representatives, underscoring the significance of this event.

The discussions were moderated by Luigi Mazzone, President of the Italian Fencing Federation and Director of Child Neuropsychiatry at the University of Tor Vergata-Rome and Giovanni Lodetti. They shared experiences and reflections on the importance of sport as a tool for psychophysical well-being and social inclusion together with Giorgio Chinellato, President of Panathlon International, 

The morning was intense and rich in thought-provoking content, thanks to the insightful presentations by: Annalisa Avancini, psychologist and psychotherapist; Chiara Carnovale, psychologist and head of the Autism Center at the Progetto Sud Community; Leno Chisci, expert in sports ethics and youth education, President of the “Development, Study, and Training Center” of Panathlon Area 6 Tuscany; Laura Fatta, psychologist and researcher at the National Institute of Health; Giovanni Lodetti, Chair of Social Well-Being through Physical Movement, University of Milan - Panathlete of Milan; Assia Riccioni, child neuropsychiatrist at the Policlinico Tor Vergata in Rome.

The positive impact of sport on mental health was analysed with a particular focus on fencing, recognized not only as a formative and educational discipline but also as therapeutic. The discussion also emphasized the role of sport as a tool for prevention and addressing mental health challenges, providing spaces for growth, relationships, and recovery, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

At the conclusion of the event, a lively debate highlighted the relational difficulties between families and sports clubs, as well as the challenges related to managing new issues among young people.

The need to introduce good practices and adequately trained professionals capable of addressing new educational and social challenges was strongly emphasized. Sport – it was reiterated – is truly a form of medicine: an indispensable resource for the growth, well-being, and, in many cases, the salvation of children and young people.

With this initiative, Panathlon International and the Italian Fencing Federation reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the ethical, educational, and social value of sport, contributing to the dissemination of a culture of well-being based on inclusion, respect, and solidarity. 

On the occasion of the second edition of the European Youth & Sport Platform, held from June 5–7, 2025 in Munich, Germany, and organized by ENGSO Youth with the logistical support of German Sports Youth, 150 young people under the age of 35 from across Europe gathered to discuss key issues such as sport innovation, well-being, sustainability, and youth participation. Among them, representing Panathlon International, were Lorenzo D’Ilario and Giosuè Cuciniello, respectively the founding president and member of Panathlon Club Junior Roma.

Over the three days, participants took part in workshops, plenary sessions, sports activities, and an exhibition fair showcasing the work of leading European youth and sports organizations. A central focus of the event was the development of a series of recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders, which were consolidated into a unified document aimed at finding a balance between values and sports performance—assessing whether emerging innovations and trends in sport align with ethics and inclusion, and whether modern platforms and digital technologies have a positive impact on the well-being of young athletes.

“Panathlon International, as an international organization for the promotion and dissemination of sports ethics and culture officially recognized by the IOC, can and must play a key role in engaging new generations in sports decision-making processes and in promoting more inclusive sports governance across Europe. This is the message that, together with junior member Giosuè Cuciniello, I conveyed to the 150 young sports professionals gathered by ENGSO Youth in Munich,” said Lorenzo D’Ilario.

“As the founding president of the largest Panathlon Club Junior in Italy and worldwide,” D’Ilario continued, “I was proud to present the activities of ‘Planet Olympia: the values of sport told by champions’, our educational project aimed at dialogue and experience sharing between Olympic and Paralympic athletes and students in Rome. I also showcased our new branded water bottles, through which we proudly associate our logo with the promotion of environmental sustainability in sport.”

Echoing the sentiment, Giosuè Cuciniello added: “I am grateful to Panathlon International and ENGSO Youth for giving me the opportunity to connect with people, languages, and cultures united by a common goal: placing sport at the heart of social progress.”

“The reason why the five Olympic rings are interlaced,” Cuciniello went on, “is because of the synergy between extraordinary professionals who combine their efforts to support the sports movement in all its forms—from technological innovation to mental health, digital communication to environmental sustainability. It was a privilege to promote the work of Panathlon Club Junior Roma and share our scientific research and outreach activities on Olympic values at the European level.”

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.

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.

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