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In today’s world, sport no longer represents merely competition, results or medals, but is increasingly establishing itself as a tool for connection, dialogue and international cooperation.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.