Workshop “Sport and Mental Health: A Tool for Prevention and Social Inclusion”
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
EPAS Plenary Meeting – 14/15 May 2025
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.
Philippe Housiaux, President of Panathlon Wallonie-Bruxelles reelected as President of the European Fair-Play Movement
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)
Extraordinary General Assembly of Panathlon International - 24th May 2025
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.
We embrace the boxing myth who has left us
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)
Press Release - 19 May - World Fair Play Day
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.
Panathlon International - 2nd Webinar Series - 14 May 2025
With great enthusiasm we announce the 2nd Webinar Series organised by the Culture, Research and Education Commission of Panathlon International.
Theme: Match-fixing and betting integrity: The challenge of the 21st century
Coordinator Fabio Figueiras (P)
Chronology of the event
8:00pm - Official opening
Opening greetings by Fábio Figueiras, followed by the handover of the floor to Giorgio Chinellato, President of Panathlon International.
8:05pm - Welcome message by Giorgio Chinellato, President of Panathlon International.
8:10pm - PowerPoint presentation by João Paulo Almeida with key concepts, challenges and trends.
8:30pm - Interactive discussion
Participants: Fábio Figueiras, Nuno Perestrelo and João Paulo Almeida. Suggested topics: - How to guarantee betting integrity? - Effective vs. permissive systems - Emerging technologies such as AI - The role of federations and the media - Is the criminalisation of match-fixing sufficient?
8:50pm - Open space for questions from online participants.
9:00pm - Closing and final summary. Summary and final conclusions by Fábio Figueiras
The webinar will be held in Portuguese with automatic translation of subtitles on zoom for all languages.
We invite PI members and all interested parties to participate in this interesting on-line meeting
Access with the QRCode or
Free event ....
Panathlon International - 2nd Webinar Series - 14 May 2025
We are delighted to announce the 2nd Webinar Series organised by the Culture, Research and Education Commission of Panathlon International.
Topic: Match fixing and betting integrity: The challenge of the 21st century, coordinator Fabio Figueiras (P)
The webinar will be held in Portuguese with automatic translation of subtitles on Zoom for all languages.
We invite PI members and anyone interested to participate in this interesting online meeting
Access with the QR code or
Free event ....
COLLAB SUMMIT
Panathlon International, through the President of the Commission for Culture, Research and Education, Antonio Carlos Bramante, has participated (online) in the Event related to the generation of knowledge, innovation and cooperation called "Collab Summit", which was held in the city of Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday 29 April.
In addition to the "II Symposium on Innovation, Technology and International Cooperation", a round table was held to launch the "I Symposium on University Studies in Sport Sciences" in which Prof. Bramante participated by presenting Panathlon International as an organisation committed to ethics and fair play.
The event was also attended by Professor Wagner Gomes, newly elected President of the Panathlon Club of Rio de Janeiro.
A collaborative work on "Environmental intelligence: environment and sustainability in sport and physical activities / 1961-2025" has been presented at the event and will be launched at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), to be held in Belém (PA) / Brazil, in November 2025.
In Memory of Pope Francis
The whole Panathlon world joins in the pain and grief for the loss of a great Pope.
A man who, until the end, has dedicated his whole life to the weakest and oppressed with a special thought to children and young people.
In these days we will read many memories of his journeys, which were always focused on the political issues of the world, and his messages pronounced as a true Spiritual Guide to the world.
He was able to mark the history of his and our time.
All Panathletes, with an important presence in South American countries, are honoured and proud to have frequently found in his speeches and in his projects the same principles to which Panathlon International's work and action has always been committed.
All this will be a stimulus and spur for us to continue with the many initiatives in favour of young people, helping their growth not only in sport but also culturally, of the most fragile, without forgetting the commitment to teach respect for the rules, Fair Play, as well as, for example, the battle for the cleanliness and protection of the waters and not just the seas.
And we must not forget the honour we were given with the invitation we received to participate in the Jubilee of Sportsmen in June.
Giorgio Chinellato International President