At the conclusion of the 23rd International Congress of Panathlon International, on the afternoon of 6 June, Panathletes were invited to attend the first edition of the Count Jacques Rogge International Award, conceived and promoted by the Belgian District of Panathlon International.
The ceremony took place in the splendid setting of Ghent Town Hall, in the presence of important dignitaries and institutional representatives, including His Royal Highness Prince Laurent and Princess Louise of Belgium, Anne Bovyn, wife of the late Jacques Rogge.
The Award, established to honour the legacy of Count Jacques Rogge, former President of the International Olympic Committee from 2001 to 2013, aims to recognise projects that promote, through sport and education, inclusion, diversity, youth development and social cohesion.
Following a rigorous selection process, the inaugural award was presented to Generations For Peace, a non-governmental organisation based in Jordan, which uses sport, youth leadership and dialogue as tools to build peace, foster mutual understanding and strengthen social cohesion.
The prestigious award was received by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, founder and President of Generations For Peace, who travelled to Ghent in person accompanied by a delegation from the organisation.
The presentation of the award was a significant moment,, offering a powerful testament to how sport can be a catalyst for unity, dialogue, fair play and human development.
The award also served as a heartfelt tribute to Jacques Rogge, whose dedication to sport, education and the development of the younger generations continues to inspire the international sporting world. His vision, which also took shape in the creation of the Youth Olympic Games, remains remarkably relevant today and fully reflects the values celebrated during the Ghent Congress.
At the opening of the ceremony, PI President Giorgio Chinellato expressed the congratulations of the entire Panathlon International to Generations For Peace, whilst reiterating his appreciation to the Belgium District for promoting an initiative of high ethical and symbolic value, fully consistent with Panathlon’s mission to promote sport as a tool for education, inclusion, peace and the growth of the younger generations.