On 5 March and 9 March, the meeting of the Executive Committee and the first session of the International Council of Panathlon International took place respectively, focusing on the examination of various strategic and organisational issues relating to the Association’s activities.
During the meetings, the Councillors were updated on the main recent activities, including the Symposium held in the Lombardy Region, which saw a large turnout and was a great success. The developments in the CIFP and EPAS programmes were also outlined, along with updates regarding membership cards and the launch of a new collaboration (as part of a university master’s project) with Sander Renson, a Panathlete from the Club of Vlaanderen, who will support Panathlon International – at no cost to the organisation – both in the implementation of a project linked to the upcoming International Congress and in the potential preparation of future European projects.
During the meetings, the Treasurer presented the 2025 final accounts and the 2027 and 2028 budgets to the Council and the Board of Auditors, which were examined and approved, whilst also initiating a discussion on the main economic and financial aspects of international activities.
Particular attention was paid to the preparation of the General Assemblies and the 2026 Ghent Congress. Following the presentation of the preliminary programme and an initial assessment of organisational costs, the International Council resolved to contribute a share of the expenses, so as not to place the entire burden on Panathlon International’s budget. During the discussion, heartfelt thanks were expressed to Paul Standaert, who is involved in the logistical organisation of the event, and to Antonio Bramante, who, together with his Commission and the delegates involved, is working on the preparation of the Congress, with the aim of ensuring a high-quality programme and the participation of qualified speakers. The Secretariat announced that it is awaiting finalised costs in order to send out the registration form, hopefully next week.
Among the most significant institutional issues, an initial discussion was also launched on the proposed amendments to the Panathlon International Statutes and on the proposals to update the Junior Club Regulations, topics which will be explored in greater depth in the forthcoming working sessions, together with the revision of the PI Ethics Charters and the Charter of Women’s Rights in Sport (a project launched by the Brazil District), which are currently under review by the CCRE and will be presented during the Ordinary General Assembly.
Important updates were also provided regarding Erasmus+ projects. Alongside the projects already underway, YouLead and MindFit, thanks to the supervision and initiative of the Delegate for European Projects, Fabio Figueiras, nine new projects were presented, in some of which Panathlon International is the lead partner.
The Council also examined the update to the training plan and received a preliminary report from the International President on the activities planned for RelazionExpo 2026, as well as discussing various aspects of the cultural programme.
Particular attention was paid to the awarding of the PI-Flambeau d’Or Prize, which Panathlon International has decided to celebrate on 19 September, to coincide with the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Panathlon Club Venezia, thanks to the willingness of the Club President and the working group that was promptly set up, already engaged in developing ideas and proposals for the organisation of a highly significant event.
The decision by the Chairman of the Culture, Research and Education Commission, Antonio Bramante, to appoint Matilda Tommasi, President of the Panathlon Club Trieste Muggia Junior, as a new member of the Commission was also welcomed.
With regard to organisational matters, an update was presented on the situation of the Clubs, Areas and Districts, with the positive prospect of new Clubs opening in Brazil, Ljubljana and Budapest, currently awaiting approval. Special thanks were extended to International Councillor Perin, Chair of the Expansion Committee, for this significant achievement, and to the President of the Brazil District, Pedro Souza, for the impetus he has given to the new phase of development in the country.
The examination of certain items on the agenda will continue at the next session of the International Council scheduled for 25 March, when discussions on the remaining issues will be concluded in view of Panathlon International’s upcoming institutional events.
Presentation video for the 23rd International Congress: "Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport” d
Abhijit Bhattacharya named Global Winner of the 2025 IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Awards
Abhijit Bhattacharya, a former captain of the Indian men’s national volleyball team, has been named the Global Winner of the 2025 International Olympic Committee (IOC) Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Champions Award for his impactful grassroots initiatives in rural India, ensuring equal access and visibility for girls and boys in sport.
Alongside the global award, five continental winners have also been recognised:
Africa: Racheal Kundananji, Zambia
Americas: Mónica Elvira Franco Luzcando, Panama
Asia: Kim Yeon-koung OLY, South Korea
Europe: Michele Kang, France
Oceania: Robyn Cockburn, New Zealand
Today, 6 March 2026, is the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, one of the most important sporting events dedicated to athletes with disabilities. The opening ceremony will be held in the historic Arena di Verona, where the show that will officially kick off the Games will begin at 8 p.m.
During the evening, the delegations of the participating countries will parade and the Paralympic flame will be symbolically lit. The show, entitled “Life in Motion”, combines music, art and entertainment to celebrate the values of sport and inclusion.
The Paralympics will take place from 6 to 15 March 2026 in various locations in northern Italy, including Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Approximately 665 athletes from over 50 countries will participate, competing in 79 events in disciplines such as Paralympic alpine skiing, snowboarding, biathlon and para ice hockey.
This event is not only a major sporting competition, but also an important opportunity to promote inclusion, courage and determination, which are fundamental values of the Paralympic movement.
From 4 to 7 June 2026, the charming city of Ghent will host the 23rd International Congress, the 52nd Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly and the Panathlon International Jacques Rogge Award ceremony.
This is a major event for the Panathletic movement, which will bring together delegates and representatives from numerous countries to celebrate 75 years of Panathlon International and discuss issues relating to sport, ethics and sporting culture.
The proceedings will take place at the Scala Event Centre, a modern conference facility that is easily accessible and equipped with affiliated hotels.
The International Congress will open on the afternoon of Thursday 4 June with the first session and will continue the morning of 5 June. In the afternoon participants will move to Ghent City Hall for the institutional reception and the Jacques Rogge Award ceremony, followed by a dinner in the historic city centre.
Saturday 6 June will be dedicated to the 52nd Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly of Panathlon International with proposals to amend the PI Statute. If necessary, the Extraordinary Assembly may continue Sunday 7 June.
The day will conclude with the Communication Award, celebrations for the 75th Anniversary of PI and the Gala Dinner.
Links for reservations and further details will be announced shortly.
The event promises to be an important moment of gathering and celebration for the international Panathletic community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Save the Date!
4th - 5th June 2026
Ghent (Belgium)
XXIII Panathlon International Congress
“Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport”
Fair Play Awards return to Italy for Milano Cortina 2026, 62 years after first honour
With Milano Cortina 2026, the Fair Play Awards will spotlight standout acts of sportsmanship, integrity and solidarity from the Olympic Winter Games. Here’s how to submit your vote.
Read the article and vote!
Votes can be submitted via this dedicated link:
ColleMar-athon, in collaboration with Panathlon International, presents the International Marathon and Half Marathon Championships as part of the 22nd ColleMar-athon, which will be held on 3 May 2026.
Click on the link to visit the website.
https://www.collemar-athon.com/
MILAN, 12 February 2026 - How can we manage the delicate relationship between artificial intelligence, ethics and the Olympic movement? How can we use technology responsibly, maintaining a firm commitment to Olympic values while exploiting AI in research, training and innovation in sport?
These are the questions at the heart of the International Symposium "Olympic Values and Artificial Intelligence", hosted at Palazzo Lombardia on the occasion of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The event was promoted by Panathlon International together with the International Society of Olympic Historians, the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee and the International Fair Play Committee, organisations committed to spreading Olympic culture and its founding principles.
Gary Rhodes (California State University, Dominguez Hills) moderated the proceedings, which were divided into three thematic panels:
• Sparks of Olympism: 'lighting up the future with Coubertin, artificial intelligence and education in Olympic values'
• Ethical and responsible artificial intelligence
• Preserving the past, enhancing the future: artificial intelligence and the public dissemination of Olympic heritage
International experts shared strategic visions and best practices, with valuable contributions from the heads of the IOC's AI Department and Ethics and Compliance Division, giving rise to a concrete and qualified discussion between technological innovation and institutional responsibility.
The human element remains central
One concept ran through all the presentations: AI should not replace athletes, but rather amplify fairness, inclusion and personalisation.
Even in popular sports such as football, the most realistic model remains a hybrid one: human referees supported by intelligent systems, capable of ensuring objectivity without sacrificing the excitement and unpredictability of the game.
Olympism is a timeless educational vision, while technology is a temporary tool that must be guided responsibly.
The challenge for our generation, it was emphasised in closing, is to ensure that Excellence, Friendship and Respect remain the compass that guides innovation.
"AI in sport does not replace the athlete, but amplifies fairness, inclusion and personalisation, always keeping the human element at the centre."
For Milano Cortina 2026, the message is clear: the future of sport will be intelligent, but it must remain deeply human.
The event was included as part of the cultural initiatives of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.
Panathlon International continues its strong commitment to the Erasmus+ project "MindFit VR: Immersive Sports for Mental Well-being", a project funded by the European Union and aimed at promoting the mental well-being of young people in sport.
The project is coordinated by the Budapest Association for International Sport (BAIS) (Hungary), in collaboration with Deneyimsel Eğitim Merkezi Derneği (DeM) (Turkey) and Panathlon International, reflecting a strong framework of international cooperation.
On 13 February 2026, an important online focus group was held, bringing together Panathletes and sports stakeholders from various European countries. The meeting, moderated by Fabio Figueiras, was a valuable opportunity to gather experiences and reflections on the challenges young athletes face today, including pressure to perform, social and family expectations, and the increasingly significant impact of social media. Simona Callo, Secretary General, spoke at the meeting, and Monica Rossi participated on behalf of the General Secretariat, confirming the institutional attention and support for the project.
The difficulty of balancing sport, school and private life also emerged strongly, elements that make greater emotional support essential. In this context, MindFit VR is an innovative tool that can complement the central role of coaches and families through immersive technologies that help young people develop emotional awareness, resilience and self-confidence. The aim is to create a simple, accessible and multilingual toolkit that can be integrated into everyday sporting life.
This collaboration is also an important sign of Panathlon International's ability to operate in international networks, actively participating in European projects alongside a wide range of different sports organisations. This commitment strengthens the Association's role as an authoritative partner in international programmes and as a promoter of shared best practices.
Heartfelt thanks to the protagonists who contributed to the success of the focus group:
• Barbara Rossi (Panathlon Club of Pesaro, IT)
• Juliane Robra (Panathlon Club of Geneva, CH)
• Teresa Rocha (Panathlon Club of Lisbon, PT)
• Otto Frühbauer (Panathlon Club of Kärnten, AT)
• Lore Vanden Berghe (Panathlon Belgium, BE)
Their contribution represents a significant step towards a more people-oriented sport, strengthening the educational role of sport and supporting the mental wellbeing of the younger generation.
#PanathlonInternational #ErasmusPlus #MindFitVR #Sport #MentalWellbeing #YoungPeople #Panathlon #DigitalWellbeing #MentalHealthInSport
