Im Rahmen der Feierlichkeiten zum 75-jährigen Jubiläum von Panathlon International und zum Abschluss des 23. Internationalen Kongresses fand in Gent, Belgien, die 52. Generalversammlung von Panathlon International statt.
Die Versammlung stellte einen besonders bedeutenden Moment der demokratischen Mitbestimmung und des Austauschs für die gesamte Panathlon-Bewegung dar. Anwesend waren 43 Clubs mit insgesamt 187 Stimmberechtigten, die 14 Länder vertraten: Argentinien, Österreich, Belgien, Brasilien, Kolumbien, Chile, Frankreich, Italien, Mexiko, Peru, Santo Domingo, Slowenien, die Schweiz und Uruguay.
Im Rahmen der ordentlichen Sitzung wurden die vorgesehenen Berichte vorgelegt und die Tagesordnungspunkte behandelt, die von der Versammlung breite Zustimmung fanden. Die Debatte bestätigte die Einigkeit hinsichtlich der programmatischen Leitlinien und das gemeinsame Engagement, den Weg des Wachstums, der Stärkung und der Aufwertung von Panathlon International auf weltweiter Ebene fortzusetzen.
Am Nachmittag fanden die Abstimmungen über die Satzungsänderungen statt. Es handelte sich um eine besonders komplexe und wichtige Phase, in der die Clubs an insgesamt 71 Abstimmungen teilnahmen. Die aufmerksame und verantwortungsbewusste Teilnahme der Delegierten ermöglichte es, diesen grundlegenden Schritt für die Aktualisierung und die zukünftige Ausrichtung der Bewegung mit Ernsthaftigkeit und konstruktivem Geist anzugehen.
Panathlon International möchte allen anwesenden und vertretenen Clubs einen aufrichtigen Dank für ihre Teilnahme, ihre Zusammenarbeit und ihren Beitrag im Verlauf der Versammlungsarbeiten aussprechen.
Die Versammlung in Gent fügt sich somit nahtlos in den Weg der 75-jährigen Geschichte von Panathlon International ein und bekräftigt den Wert der Beteiligung der Clubs sowie die zentrale Rolle des Vereinslebens beim Aufbau der Zukunft der Bewegung.
Der Tag endete mit einem Galadinner, dem die Verleihung des Kommunikationspreises vorausging, die vom Preisverantwortlichen Giacomo Santini moderiert wurde und bei der den drei Gewinnern die Auszeichnungen für ihre Arbeit überreicht wurden.
At the end of the training activities, the second transnational project meeting (TPM) of the MindFit VR project took place, providing an important opportunity for partners to review the progress achieved so far and plan the next stages of the project.
Representing Panathlon International were Fabio Figueiras, Project Coordinator, and Debora Quercioli from the General Secretariat, who provided support for the project activities.
During the meeting, several operational issues were discussed, including the completion of the curriculum translations into the different languages, the development of the toolkit, and the planning of upcoming dissemination activities. The partners also agreed on the timeline for the next phases, reaffirming their shared commitment to the project's objectives.
The TPM followed on from an intensive international training programme held in Izmir, attended by four Panathletes: Teresa Rocha from Portugal; Ilse Vanhoorelbeke from Belgium; Rebecca Ripanti from Italy; and Tunde Stift from Hungary.
Having completed the training, they will now begin planning and implementing dissemination activities within their respective countries.
More details about the participation of Panathlon International trainers can be found here: https://www.panathlon-international.org/news/index.php/en/component/k2/item/10889-mindfit-our-trainers-in-izmir-for-international-training.
MindFit VR is therefore continuing its journey successfully, strengthening international cooperation and developing innovative tools aimed at promoting well-being and resilience through education and the use of new technologies.
Im Rahmen der Generalversammlung von Panathlon International, die in Gent anlässlich der Feierlichkeiten zum 75-jährigen Jubiläum der Bewegung stattfand, wurden zwei neue wichtige Ethik-Charten verabschiedet: die Charta des Respekts, vorgeschlagen vom Panathlon Club Como, und die Charta der Rechte der Frauen im Sport, vorgeschlagen vom Distrikt Brasilien.
Dies ist ein bedeutender Schritt auf dem Weg von Panathlon International zur Förderung der Ethik, der Sportkultur und zum Schutz der Grundwerte des Sports.
Die Charta des Respekts unterstreicht die Bedeutung von Verhaltensweisen, die auf Fairness, Verantwortung und Rücksichtnahme gegenüber anderen beruhen, sowohl innerhalb als auch außerhalb des sportlichen Kontexts.
Die Charta der Rechte der Frauen im Sport bekräftigt hingegen die Notwendigkeit, Chancengleichheit, Würde, Teilhabe und die Anerkennung der Rolle der Frauen in allen Bereichen des Sports zu fördern.
Mit der Verabschiedung dieser Dokumente bekräftigt Panathlon International sein Engagement für einen Sport, der erzieht, integriert und zur Entwicklung des Einzelnen und der Gesellschaft beiträgt.
On Saturday 6 June 2026, the 52nd Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly of Panathlon International took place.
Representatives of the Clubs, Districts and international bodies gathered at a particularly significant moment in the life of Panathlon International, called upon to discuss the Movement’s main institutional and organisational policies.
The ordinary session provided an important opportunity for participation and discussion, confirming the Assembly’s central role as a forum for synthesis, accountability and collaboration among the various components of the international Panathlon community.
In the afternoon, the Extraordinary General Assembly was held, dedicated to examining the proposed amendments to the Statutes of Panathlon International, as part of a process aimed at supporting the Movement’s evolution and strengthening its action at an international level.
Der Internationale Kongress von Panathlon International erlebte am späten Nachmittag des Freitags, dem 5. Juni, im prestigeträchtigen Rathaus von Gent mit der Verleihung des 1. Jacques-Rogge-Preises einen seiner bedeutendsten Momente.
Die Auszeichnung, die ins Leben gerufen wurde, um die soziale Wirkung des Sports auf die junge Generation zu würdigen, kommt im Jahr des 75-jährigen Jubiläums von Panathlon International eine besondere Bedeutung zu und bekräftigt das Engagement der Bewegung für die Förderung der ethischen, erzieherischen und sozialen Werte des Sports.
In Anwesenheit der königlichen Familie, der Behördenvertreter und der Vertreter von Panathlon International wurde der Preis an die internationale Nichtregierungsorganisation Generations for Peace verliehen, um deren weltweite Arbeit bei der Konfliktlösung, der Förderung des Dialogs und der Zusammenarbeit zwischen jungen Menschen durch den Sport zu würdigen.
Die Zeremonie bildete den Höhepunkt des Kongresses und bot einen Moment von großem symbolischem und institutionellem Wert im Zeichen des Vermächtnisses von Jacques Rogge und der Kraft des Sports als Instrument für Frieden, Wachstum und Begegnung zwischen den Menschen.
Below are the links to follow the proceedings of the 23rd Panathlon International Congress and the Panathlon International General Assembly, scheduled to take place in Ghent from 4 to 7 June 2026, via live streaming.
To encourage the widest possible participation, all sessions will be broadcast live on the dedicated YouTube channel.
A simultaneous interpretation service with subtitles in all languages will also be available via the Zoom platform through a single link valid for all days of the event.
The languages available will be Italian and English for the Congress sessions (4 and 5 June) and Italian, English and French for the General Assembly sessions (6 and 7 June).
LIVE STREAMING & SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION
Watch the live sessions on YouTube:
- 4 June 2026 – Panathlon Congress | Day 1
https://youtube.com/live/p85QRcSmQWI?feature=share
- 5 June 2026 – Panathlon Congress | Day 2
https://youtube.com/live/QyFAKiySG2Y?feature=share
- 6 June 2026 – Panathlon General Assembly | Day 1
https://youtube.com/live/RhtdrrGmYF0?feature=share
- 7 June 2026 – Panathlon General Assembly | Day 2
https://youtube.com/live/RhtdrrGmYF0?feature=share
Simultaneous Translation (all days)
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89614450445?pwd=hCheVYMpdi3jettnCdphH4Cshj8ZVV.1
ID Riunione: 896 1445 0445 - Passcode: 01856
An online preparatory meeting was held on 28 May with the Panathlon International trainers who will take part in the MindFit VR International Training Course, scheduled to take place in İzmir, Türkiye, from 8 to 12 June 2026.
The meeting, chaired by Fábio Figueiras, aimed to introduce participants to the MindFit VR – Immersive Sports for Mental Well-being project, an Erasmus+ Sport initiative combining sport, mental well-being and digital innovation, and to share the main information regarding the training programme, logistical arrangements and planned activities.
The four Panathlon International trainers who will attend the training course are Teresa Rocha, Ilse Vanhoorelbeke, Rebecca Ripanti and Tunde Stift.
During the course, participants will explore the use of Virtual Reality and hybrid sport approaches as educational tools to promote emotional resilience, mental well-being awareness and new methodologies for working with young people. The training will follow an experiential and participatory approach, combining exchanges, practical activities, group work and shared reflection.
After the training, the trainers will contribute to the next implementation phase of the project, bringing the acquired skills back to their local contexts and supporting the development of activities dedicated to mental well-being through sport and digital innovation.
From 4 to 7 June 2026, Ghent will become the heart of Panathlon International, hosting a series of events of great significance for the Movement: the 23rd International Congress, the 52nd Ordinary General Assembly, the Extraordinary General Assembly and the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of Panathlon International.
The title chosen for the Congress, “Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport”, encapsulates the profound significance of this important moment for the organisation: celebrating a 75-year history, founded on the principles of sporting ethics, fair play and sporting culture, whilst at the same time looking to the challenges of the future with responsibility and vision.
The days in Ghent will provide a valuable opportunity for clubs, districts, regions and representatives of Panathlon International from various countries to meet, exchange views and participate. The Congress will offer a space for reflection on the role of Panathlon today, on its ability to promote unity through sport and on the importance of continuing to spread, especially amongst the younger generations, the values that have always guided its actions.
Alongside the congress and assembly proceedings, the programme includes institutional and celebratory events of particular significance, including the Jacques Rogge Award ceremony at Ghent Town Hall and the Gala Dinner for the 75th anniversary of Panathlon International, during which the Communication Award will also be presented.
Four days to celebrate a history, strengthen an international community and build Panathlon’s path towards the future together.
Panathlon International President’s Committee met online on 26 May 2026, starting at 12.00 p.m. to discuss a number of institutional, cultural and organisational matters ahead of upcoming international events.
At the start of the meeting, the minutes of the previous President’s Committee meeting on 5 March 2026 were approved. This was followed by reports from the President and the Secretary General, who updated participants on the main activities currently underway.
Among the key points of the session, particular attention was paid to the voting procedures for the General Assemblies in Ghent in 2026 and to the establishment of the Committee on the Verification of Credentials for the General Assembly in the Belgian city.
The Committee also addressed the issue of the ethical charters, to be presented at the Assembly, confirming Panathlon International’s commitment to promoting the values of sport and social responsibility.
During the meeting, the granting of sponsorships was also discussed, as well as the phenomenon of hikikomori, an issue of growing social relevance that also affects the world of young people and sport.
There was also an important update on the Panathlon Club Santo Domingo and the Caribbean Games, reflecting the association’s ongoing focus on international activities and the promotion of Panathletic values.
With regard to cultural activities, the Committee reviewed the programme of events planned for Ghent 2026 and the initiatives linked to the Flambeau d’Or, Panathlon International’s historic award.
In the final part of the meeting, organisational aspects relating to upcoming activities were addressed, and it was also announced that a new Club is being established in Croatia, a further sign of Panathlon International’s international growth.
The meeting confirmed Panathlon International’s strong commitment to strengthening its international presence, promoting the ethical values of sport and supporting wide-ranging cultural and social projects
The second Steering Committee Meeting of the Panathlon International coordinated YOULEAD project was successfully held online on 21 May 2026, bringing together project partners from across Europe to review ongoing progress and prepare the next phases of implementation.
The meeting provided an opportunity for partners to exchange updates on current activities, particularly regarding the advancement of the research phase and the preparation of the upcoming Transnational Project Meeting (TPM), which will take place in Podgorica, Montenegro, in June 2026.
Discussions also focused on coordination matters related to project management, communication and dissemination activities, as well as the continued collaboration between partners in ensuring the smooth development of project outputs. Particular attention was given to strengthening cooperation between work packages and supporting a coherent transition towards the next implementation phase of the project.
Partners also reviewed the current status of the YOULEAD communication tools, including the project website, and highlighted the importance of ensuring visibility for the project’s activities and milestones at both national and international level.
The meeting concluded with a positive outlook towards the forthcoming TPM in Podgorica and reaffirmed the strong collaborative spirit among consortium partners as the YOULEAD project continues to progres