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.
12 June is fast approaching and Panathlon International is once again inviting everyone to celebrate Panathlon Day, the day dedicated to commemorating the founding of the Panathlon movement, which was established in Venice in 1951 and quickly spread across the world.
This year, the occasion takes on an even more special significance, as Panathlon International celebrates its 75th anniversary: a major milestone that invites us to look back with pride on the Movement’s history and, at the same time, to renew our commitment to promoting the ethical, cultural and educational values of sport.
Once again this year, the format relies on the creativity, passion and initiative of the Clubs, which are called upon to organise events and gatherings that bring together Panathlon’s history with its current relevance and its commitment to the present.
Clubs are invited to place Panathlon’s founding values at the heart of their events: friendship, ethics and a passion for sport.
The idea of establishing this day arose during the Pan-American Congress held in Recife, Brazil, in 2017, immediately garnering the support and endorsement of a large part of the Panathlon world.
It is particularly significant to imagine that, on 12 June, in different places and corners of the world, many Panathletes will come together in spirit around a single idea: to make sport a great school of life, capable of educating, uniting and transmitting values.
The General Secretariat looks forward to receiving reports, images and accounts of the events organised by the Clubs in Rapallo, so that together we can build a great international mosaic of Panathlon Day
The 23rd International Congress of Panathlon International in Ghent: 75 years of unity through sport
The 23rd International Congress of Panathlon International, dedicated to the theme “Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport”, has concluded in Ghent, Belgium. An event of great institutional and cultural significance, forming part of the celebrations marking the Movement’s 75th anniversary, it brought together Panathlon representatives, international speakers, experts, young leaders and stakeholders from the world of sport.
The Congress was opened by International President Giorgio Chinellato and CREC President Antonio Carlos Bramante, who took part in an insightful interview on the origins of the Movement, its current role and the challenges it faces in the future.
Two intensive days of proceedings focused the debate on the role of sport as a tool for dialogue, cooperation, education, integrity, governance and social cohesion. In today’s world, sport is no longer merely about competition, results or medals, but is increasingly establishing itself as a universal language, capable of transcending borders, cultures and affiliations, creating opportunities for engagement even where institutional dialogue faces the greatest difficulties.
The Congress opened with a welcome address by International President Giorgio Chinellato and continued with an opening lecture by Prof. Thierry Zintz, dedicated to sports diplomacy and sport’s capacity to promote understanding, cooperation and positive relations between peoples and communities.
The first panel, moderated by Antonio Carlos Bramante, Chair of the Culture, Research and Education Commission of Panathlon International, featured Maria Beatriz Rocha Ferreira, Vice-President of ICSSPE, Fahmida Faiza, an expert in sports diplomacy, and Guillermo González López, President of Panathlon Club Colombia. The presentations highlighted Panathlon International’s contribution to sports diplomacy through the promotion of the positive values of sporting activity.
Attention was also paid to the younger generation, with the panel “Youth Participation in Sport Governance: from Principles to Practices”. The discussion was attended by Fábio Figueiras, Panathlon International’s CREC member, Tiago Guilherme of ENGSO Youth, Matilda Tommasi, President of Panathlon Club Junior Trieste Muggia and Panathlon International’s CREC and member of, and Berber Swart, an IOC Young Leader. The debate highlighted the importance of valuing young people not only as key players in sport, but also as active participants in shaping the governance and future of sport.
The theme of fair play and best practices was further highlighted through the international Best Practices Showcase, curated by Alina Baranova, Sander Renson and the General Secretariat, which brought together and presented 47 outstanding projects promoted by Panathlon Clubs from around the world. The second day of the Congress was dedicated to the theme “Shaping the Game: Europe’s Role in the Future of Sport”. Following the opening of proceedings, speakers included Stanislas Frossard, Director of Sport at the Council of Europe; Chiel Warners, Technical Director of the Dutch Athletic Federation; and Georg Häusler, Director of the European Commission’s DG EAC Sport.
Ample time was devoted to round-table discussions on integrity in sport and good sports governance from a European perspective. The panel on integrity, moderated by Dr Cleo Schyvinck, featured Chiel Warners, Guy Goudesone and Michele Colucci. The round table on good governance, introduced by Georg Häusler and moderated by Philippe Vlaemminck, included Prof. Bram Constandt, Walter De Beauvesier Watson and Sven Demeulemeester.
Fábio Figueiras spoke in his capacity as Compliance & Regulatory Manager at KPMG Switzerland, before the closing remarks delivered by Antonio Carlos Bramante, who concluded the congress proceedings by emphasising the value of dialogue and the importance of continuing to strengthen the cultural and educational role of Panathlon International.
The Ghent Congress strongly reaffirmed Panathlon International’s mission: to promote sport that educates, unites, inspires and contributes to building a fairer, more respectful and supportive society. As it celebrates the 75th anniversary of its foundation, the Movement renews its commitment to ethics, sporting culture, integrity, fair play and the active participation of the younger generations.
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.
As part of the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Panathlon International and following the conclusion of the 23rd International Congress, the 52nd General Assembly of Panathlon International took place in Ghent, Belgium.
The Assembly represented a particularly significant moment of democratic participation and discussion for the entire Panathlon Movement. 43 clubs were present, with a total of 187 voters, representing 14 countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, France, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Santo Domingo, Slovenia, Switzerland and Uruguay.
During the ordinary session, the scheduled reports were presented and the items on the agenda were discussed, receiving broad support from the Assembly. The debate confirmed the shared commitment to the strategic guidelines and the common resolve to continue the path of growth, strengthening and promotion of Panathlon International worldwide.
In the afternoon, voting took place on the proposed amendments to the Statutes. This was a particularly complex and important phase, during which the Clubs were involved in no fewer than 71 votes. The attentive and responsible participation of the delegates enabled this fundamental step towards updating and shaping the future structure of the Movement to be addressed with seriousness and a constructive spirit.
Panathlon International would like to extend its sincere thanks to all the Clubs present and represented for their participation, collaboration and contribution throughout the Assembly proceedings.
The Ghent Assembly thus forms an integral part of Panathlon International’s 75th anniversary celebrations, reaffirming the value of the Clubs’ participation and the central role of club life in shaping the Movement’s future.
The day concluded with a gala dinner, preceded by the Communication Award ceremony, hosted by the award’s organiser, Giacomo Santini, during which the three winners were presented with their awards in recognition of their work.Photogallery
Excitement is running high within the MINDFIt team as our trainers are currently in Izmir taking part in an international training experience. Through the immersive environment provided by Spatial, participants are engaging in innovative learning activities and exchanging ideas with partners from across Europe.
The atmosphere is full of enthusiasm, collaboration and a shared commitment to developing new approaches that support the goals of the project.
Starting tomorrow, the focus will shift to the Transnational Project Meeting (TPM), an important opportunity to review progress and plan the next stages of MINDFIt. Fabio Figueiras will attend the meeting as Project Coordinator, representing the consortium and contributing to discussions on the next phases and strategic development of the project.
MINDFIt continues to strengthen international cooperation and promote innovative learning experiences, bringing together expertise and creativity in support of wellbeing and inclusion.
Stay tuned for more news on this project!
During the Panathlon International General Assembly, held in Ghent as part of the celebrations for the Movement’s 75th anniversary, two important new Charters of Ethics were approved: the Charter of Respect, proposed by Panathlon Club Como, and the Charter of Women’s Rights in Sport, proposed by District Brazil.
This marks a significant step forward in Panathlon International’s commitment to promoting ethics, sporting culture and the protection of the fundamental values of sport.
The Charter of Respect highlights the importance of behaviour based on fairness, responsibility and consideration for others, both within and outside the sporting context.
The Charter of Women’s Rights in Sport, meanwhile, reaffirms the need to promote equal opportunities, dignity, participation and recognition of the role of women in every aspect of sporting activity.
With the approval of these documents, Panathlon International reaffirms its commitment to upholding a sport capable of educating, including and contributing to the growth of the individual and society.
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.
The International Congress of Panathlon International witnessed one of its most significant moments in the late afternoon of Friday 5 June, at the prestigious Ghent Town Hall, with the presentation ceremony for the 1st Jacques Rogge Award.
The award, established to highlight the social impact of sport among the younger generations, takes on particular significance in the year of Panathlon International’s 75th anniversary, confirming the Movement’s commitment to promoting the ethical, educational and social values of sport.
In the presence of the Royal Family, local authorities and representatives of Panathlon International, the Prize was awarded to the international NGO Generations for Peace, in recognition of its global work in conflict resolution, building dialogue and promoting cooperation among young people through sport.
The ceremony marked the culmination of the Congress, offering a moment of great symbolic and institutional significance, in the spirit of Jacques Rogge’s legacy and the power of sport as a tool for peace, growth and bringing people together.
The first day of the 23rd Panathlon International Congress has opened in Ghent, dedicated to the theme “Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport”, with a packed programme of events and two panel discussions focusing on sports diplomacy, governance and the role of the younger generation.
In today’s world, sport no longer represents merely competition, results or medals, but is increasingly establishing itself as a tool for connection, dialogue and international cooperation. This is the strength of sports diplomacy: speaking a universal language capable of transcending borders, cultures, religions and political affiliations, creating opportunities for encounter and collaboration even where institutional dialogue faces greater difficulties.
In this context, Panathlon International reaffirms its role as a Movement committed to promoting ethics, fair play, respect and the values of sport as concrete tools for personal growth, social development and the building of bridges between peoples and nations.
The first panel brought together Antonio Bramante, Chair of the Culture, Research and Education Commission of Panathlon International, Maria Beatriz Ferreira, Vice-Chair of ICSSPE, Fahmida Faiza, an expert in sports diplomacy, and Guillermo Gonzalez Lopez, President of Panathlon Club Colombia.
The presentations highlighted Panathlon International’s contribution to sports diplomacy through the promotion of the positive values of sporting activity.
The second panel featured Fabio Figueiras, a member of Panathlon International’s CCRE, Tiago Guilherme from ENGSO Youth, Matilda Tommasi, President of Panathlon Junior Trieste Muggia and a member of Panathlon International’s CCRE, and Berber Swart, an IOC Young Leader. The discussion centred on the fundamental role of the younger generations in building a sporting world and a society increasingly oriented towards fair play, inclusion and responsibility.
The theme of fair play was further highlighted through the exhibition “Best Practices Showcase”, organised for the Congress, which brings together and presents significant initiatives promoted by Panathlon Clubs.
All the meetings took place in the presence of International President Giorgio Chinellato and Secretary General Simona Callo, together with Sander Renson, President of Panathlon Internationaal Vlaanderen.
The proceedings continue today, 5 June, with the theme “Shaping the game: Europe’s role in the future of sport”.
The programme includes presentations by Stanislas Frossard, Director of Sport at the Council of Europe, Chiel Warners, Technical Director of the Dutch Athletic Federation, and Georg Häusler, Director of DG EAC Sport, as well as two round-table discussions on integrity in sport and good governance in sport from a European perspective.
The event opens with a welcome address by Giorgio Chinellato, President of Panathlon International, followed by a speech by Stanislas Frossard, Director of Sport at the Council of Europe. Chiel Warners, Technical Director of the Dutch Athletic Federation, then takes the floor; he also participates in the first debate on integrity in sport, led by moderator Dr Cleo Schyvinck, alongside experts Guy Goudesone and Michele Colucci.
Proceedings resumed with a speech by Georg Hausler, Director of the European Commission’s DG EAC Sport, who introduced the round table on good governance in sport, moderated by Philippe Vlaemminck, with contributions from Prof. Bram Constandt, Walter De Beauvesier Watson and Sven Demeulemeester.
Fabio Figueiras spoke in his capacity as Compliance & Regulatory Manager for KPMG Switzerland, before handing over to Antonio Bramante, President of the Cultural, Scientific and Educational Commission (CREC), for the closing remarks.
The Ghent Congress thus reaffirms Panathlon International’s mission: to promote sport that educates, unites, inspires and contributes to building a fairer, more respectful and more caring society.