PRESS RELEASE

Panathlon International (PI), a cultural and sporting association active in 31 countries across 4 continents, is launching a major international project focused on social inclusion, youth mental health, and the promotion of sports values.

The International President, Giorgio Chinellato, together with the new International Board, has made the Hikikomori Project one of the strategic priorities at the start of his mandate. The initiative is in collaboration with Hikikomori Italia ETS (HI), the national reference organization for awareness and intervention regarding the phenomenon of youth social withdrawal.

Sports and Culture as a Response to Youth Distress

The project stems from a desire to provide concrete tools to address a growing global issue affecting thousands of adolescents and young adults who gradually isolate themselves from social, educational, and professional life.

The Japanese term hikikomori – now internationally recognized – describes a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary and coordinated response.

In this context, sport is proposed as a privileged vehicle for rebuilding relationships, restoring self-esteem, and reconnecting young people with their communities.

Thanks to its widespread network of clubs and its strong ethical and cultural mission, Panathlon International is an ideal partner to promote a concrete and coordinated approach at the local level.

Contents of the Agreement

The collaboration between PI and HI has been formalized through a three-year memorandum of understanding, which includes:

Awareness and outreach campaigns via Panathlon’s official channels (newsletters, press releases, social media, and publications) targeted at members, club leaders, schools, families, and institutions;

Direct involvement of Panathlon Clubs in the implementation of local initiatives, school projects, information campaigns, and educational activities aimed at young people and their families;

Participation in cultural events, conferences, webinars, and roundtable discussions organized by PI’s Commission for Culture, Science, and Education;

Scientific and technical support from Hikikomori Italia ETS through the provision of informational materials, expert involvement, promotion of support groups, and sharing of best practices already active in Italy;

Both organizations also commit to ensuring mutual communication and visibility by integrating logos and links across their official channels.

The shared goal is to expand the project internationally, involving, where possible, other institutional partners and like-minded organizations in countries where Panathlon International operates.

"This agreement represents a concrete step toward social responsibility in sports. We want our clubs to become sensitive antennas in their communities, capable of identifying youth distress and turning it into a journey of recovery through sport, culture, and human connection," said President Giorgio Chinellato.

Marco Crepaldi, psychologist and President of Hikikomori Italia ETS, also expressed enthusiasm for the initiative:

"I thank Panathlon International for its sensitivity to mental health issues, and especially to the topic of voluntary social withdrawal. Their support will be essential in advancing our mission."