PRESS RELEASE
Panathlon International and the Italian Fencing Federation join forces to promote the value of sport in mental health and social inclusion.
Panathlon International, in collaboration with the Italian Fencing Federation (FIS), is organising a thematic workshop entitled: ‘Sport and Mental Health: A Tool for Prevention and Social Inclusion’ in conjunction with the European Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place in Genoa from 13 to 19 June 2025.
On Tuesday 17 June at 9.30 a.m. at the Conference Hall of Villa Queirolo in Rapallo, headquarters of Panathlon International.
The workshop aims to:
• Examine the positive impact of sport on mental health, with a particular focus on fencing as a formative, educational and therapeutic discipline
• Highlight sport as a tool for preventing and combating distress, capable of offering opportunities for growth, relationships and recovery, especially for the most vulnerable sections of the population
• Promote dialogue between experts, athletes, sports managers, educators and institutional representatives, with the aim of promoting an integrated vision of mental and physical well-being through sport.
The speakers will be Giorgio Chinellato, President of Panathlon International, Luigi Mazzone, President of the Italian Fencing Federation, and Giovanni Lodetti as moderator, accompanied by authoritative specialists from the fields of psychology, sports medicine, education and sports management.
The meeting is open to the public, with a special invitation extended to young people, sports clubs, professionals in the sector, educators, health professionals and representatives of local institutions. With this initiative, Panathlon International and FIS confirm their commitment to promoting the ethical, educational and social role of sport, actively contributing to the construction of a culture of well-being based on inclusion, respect and solidarity.
We are also pleased to inform you that the workshop will be streamed live at the following link:
https://youtube.com/live/VS4NlLkdjxo?feature=share
On 14 and 15 May, Pierre Zappelli, Past President of Panathlon International (PI), took part in the 17th plenary meeting of the Advisory Committee of EPAS (Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport), which was held in Strasbourg. EPAS, which is part of the Council of Europe, is composed of three statutory bodies: the Executive Board, the Statutory Committee and the Advisory Committee, which work together to implement the objectives set out in the European Sports Charter of the Council of Europe in the member countries.
The Executive Board is made up of 32 of the 46 member countries of the Council of Europe, while the Advisory Committee includes 31 organisations (soon to become 35), including Panathlon International.
The meeting, which is held annually in person, was spread over two days.... During the Advisory Committee session, the topic discussed by PI was: ‘Sport and intergenerational challenges for young people and older persons - Bridging the gap between young people and older persons through sport’.
The PI shared some examples of significant projects, including the Friendly Games, launched in 2018, which has been implemented by numerous clubs, mainly in Italy but also in other countries including France and Belgium. Other similar projects were also presented, such as the “Panathliadi” of the Venice Club and the “Family Games” held in Switzerland....
Active and proactive participation in EPAS is essential, especially in view of its role in the drafting and implementation of the European Sports Charter, to which PI has also contributed. It should be emphasised that the Charter is implemented by the member states, not by organisations, whose main functions are to express opinions on the issues addressed and to provide advice based on the specific experience and expertise of each association.
Panathlon International has been confirmed as an active member of the EPAS Advisory Committee for another three years, until 2024.
The European Fair Play Movement's annual congress, awards ceremony, and general assembly took place on May 18 and 19 at the International Olympic Academy in ancient-Olympia, Greece. Organized under the auspices of the European Olympic Committees and the International Commission for Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSPSE), these events brought together 27 representatives from European Olympic Committees, European Olympic Academies, National Fair Play Committees, and European and international sports organizations.
On May 19, World Fair Play Day, the EFPM held its annual general assembly. This provided the opportunity to hold elections for all positions on the Board of Directors. The election of the new Executive Committee saw the re-election of the outgoing president for a further four-year term.
The Belgian Olympic athlete, founder of Panathlon Wallonia-Brussels, Philippe Housiaux, was re-elected for a further four-year term. declared: "Responsibility and pride; it is by a very large majority that the 29 countries and European institutions re-elected me as President of the European Fair Play Movement; my re-election in Olympia adds an additional dimension to the commitment I have had for so many years; I also appreciate the opportunity given to me to be able to give a positive impulse to the whole of Europe; the Panathlon Wallonia-Brussels school trained me for this; this appointment comes on May 19, World Fair Play Day; a project initiated in French-speaking Belgium in 2013; pride and responsibility."
The new Board of Directors for the next four (4) years is composed as follows:President Mr Philippe Housiaux (BEL)
• Vice-Presidents: Mrs Katarina Raczova (SVK) & Vice-President Mr Robert Perc (SLO)
• General Secretary: Mr Ioannis Psilopoulos (GRE)
• Treasurer: Mr Ivan Coste-Marniere (FRA) assisted by Mr Kasparas Sileikis (LIT)
• Members: Ms Mirna Ralje Brodanac (CRO), Mr Khazar Isayev (AZE) and Mr Selcuk Bora Cavusoglu (TUR).
Chair of the Scientific Committee: Thierry Zintz (BEL)
Saturday 24th May has taken place, online on Zoom platform, the Extraordinary General Assembly of Panathlon International, convened for the approval of the budgets for the biennium 2025/2026.
106 Clubs have registered to participate, together with numerous Panathletes connected to follow the works.
During the assembly, the International President Giorgio Chinellato illustrated some relevant aspects of the current activity and the future perspectives, giving a clear and articulate vision of Panathlon action at international level.
At the end of the works, it has been proceeded to the vote of the budgets which, with the following result: 39 votes in favour, 37 against and 6 abstained, have been approved.
A result that rewards the programme presented by the Board, even if it raises several questions about a reduced participation in the vote on which some reflection will be necessary.
The myth who renewed Italian boxing in the post-war period with his exploits has passed away. At the age of 87, Nino Benvenuti (his full first name was Giovanni) has died: an icon of the ring who won the hearts of fans with his victories.
The launching pad for the young Istrian, then Triestine by adoption, was in the Roman Olympics in which he won the gold medal before moving on to a super career among the professionals in which he managed to become superwelter and middleweight world champion. For tricolour boxing, the nights of the two matches he won over his fiercest Italian rival Sandro Mazzinghi remain iconic. How can we forget the world battles in New York with Emile Griffith, the beautiful victory over the American Rodriguez in Rome with a precise and powerful “hook” that remained an unforgettable flash. Then his career collided with the power and qualities of another super champion, the Argentine Carlos Monzon.
It was a fatal defeat, but one that did not affect the memory of his countless fans of a technically excellent boxer, but also of a delightful and intelligent person, who, with great gentility, managed to make himself appreciated humanly even by his opponents in the ring.
(Gianfranco Troina)
On May 14th, 2025, Panathlon International’s Culture, Research and Education Commission (PI-CREC) successfully hosted the second edition of its Webinar Series, focusing on the increasingly critical issue of match-fixing and betting integrity in sport.
The session, titled “Match-fixing and betting integrity: The challenge of the 21st century”, was coordinated by the PI-CREC Member, Fábio Figueiras (Portugal) and brought together experts and members of the Panathlon community for an evening of education, debate, and awareness-raising.
The event opened at 21:00 (CET) with greetings from Fábio Figueiras, who then gave the floor to Giorgio Chinellato, President of Panathlon International. In his welcome message, President Chinellato emphasized the importance of tackling corruption in sport and upholding Panathlon’s values of fair play and ethics.
At 21:10, João Paulo Almeida delivered a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation covering the main concepts, challenges, and emerging trends in match-fixing. This set the stage for the interactive panel discussion that followed.
Beginning at 21:30, panelists Nuno Perestrelo, João Paulo Almeida, and Fábio Figueiras explored key topics such as:
• Role of education and Panathlon Clubs contribution to this
• Responsibilities of sports federations and the media
• Key risks, including illegal betting and inside Information
At 21:50, the discussion was opened to questions from the audience.
The webinar concluded at 22:05 with a summary and final remarks by Fábio Figueiras, who underscored the need for continued dialogue, international cooperation, and proactive solutions to safeguard the integrity of sport.
To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, the session was conducted in Portuguese, with automatic subtitle translation into multiple languages available through Zoom.
Panathlon International thanks all speakers, participants, and attendees for their valuable contributions. The Commission remains committed to promoting ethical values in sport through education, dialogue, and awareness-raising initiatives.
Rapallo, 19 May 2025
When the United Nations recognised the importance of Fair Play in Sport
By establishing the 19th May as International Fair Play Day, the United Nations unequivocally recognises the global importance and the profoundly humanistic nature of this attitude in sport (the world's largest organised 'community'), which should be the very essence of civilised relations, contributing to the creation of a fairer and more inclusive society.
Historically, the promotion of Fair Play has been supported by important international institutions such as the International Fair Play Committee (IFCP), Panathlon International (PI) and the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM). However, the UN proclamation adds a strong global signal to consolidate this commitment and give new impulse to the tireless advocates of this mindset. World Fair Play Day, rooted in the work of these organisations, is now officially recognised as a worldwide day of celebration, inviting everyone to reflect and act on the meaning of a fair and respectful behaviour in sport and in everyday life.
A A look both within and beyond borders to capture a current snapshot of what is being done to support people with disabilities, and how sport can help overcome difficulties and restore enthusiasm—even give life a new meaning. This was the spirit of “Disability Without Borders”, the conference held in Pordenone to open the 104th Caregiving Expo, the first edition of a fair entirely dedicated to everything related to disability and those who help and offer new perspectives to people who lack—or have lost—full physical function.
Under the impeccable moderation of Filippo Grassia, Head of Communication for Panathlon International, representatives from Italy, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia came together to discuss the current status, projects, initiatives, and future outlook for disability support and Paralympic sport.
The event was opened and closed by Panathlon International President Giorgio Chinellato, who emphasized P.I.'s commitment to supporting Paralympic sport—as well as its efforts to prevent potential disabilities. “One of many examples,” he noted, “is the pressure we're putting on automobile federations to develop an educational program in schools, so future drivers and motorcyclists are trained in safe driving, traffic laws, and good practices on the road—to prevent accidents that all too often have serious consequences on health and future life.”
The conference also featured Giada Rossi, gold medalist in table tennis singles at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and the event’s patron; Carlotta Ragazzini, bronze medalist in the same discipline in Paris; and sports commentator Dario Di Gennaro, the voice of Paralympic sport on RAI.
Jessica Acquavita (Vice President, Istria Region, Croatia): “In Croatia, there are public investments in building infrastructure and sports facilities that enable people with disabilities to participate in sports. There is also government support, including funding, to promote sports among children in schools, culminating in interschool championships. These are sports activities, but also lifesaving ones, as they represent an investment in public health, especially for the younger generations.”
Major Sabina Ferraris (Italian Armed Forces, Paralympic Sports Office): “Our sports group has 88 athletes, most of them military personnel who were injured in the line of duty. But thirty of them are civilian Paralympic athletes—top performers—whom we've contracted on three-year agreements. We hope to retain them permanently in the future as civilian staff within the military administration. The message we want to send is clear: we leave no one behind. If you are no longer able to serve your country in arms, you can still serve it through sport.”
Boro Strumbelj (Head of Delegation, Slovenia, Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games): “Our government is preparing a project to include young people with disabilities through Paralympic sport. We must build a chain of trust between the sports world, pediatricians, and parents—raising awareness among parents so they bring their children to try Paralympic sports. We will go to their homes to find them, and pediatricians—who know individual cases—must help us. There is also a project in the works for people over 60. They are often forgotten, but they too need support.”
Giada Rossi (Paralympic Gold Medalist, Paris 2024, Table Tennis): “I used to play volleyball and had just been selected for the U14 regional team when I had the accident that left me disabled. I needed time to adapt to my new condition, but after four years—thanks to my PE teacher Marinella Ambrosio—I returned to the gym and tried table tennis. It felt like being born again. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a professional volleyball player. Today, thanks to my contract with the Armed Forces Sports Group, I’m living that dream in table tennis.”
Michael Ausserwinkler (President, Panathlon Club Klagenfurt, and former Austrian Federal Health Minister): “The ‘Without Borders’ joint bid between Austria, Italy, and Slovenia for the 2006 Winter Olympics was a fascinating experience. That collaboration can live on today through Paralympic projects. In Austria, there is significant attention to disability and Paralympic sport, with funding available at national, regional, and local levels.”
With great enthusiasm we announce the 2nd Webinar Series organised by the Culture, Research and Education Commission of Panathlon International.
Theme: Match-fixing and betting integrity: The challenge of the 21st century
Coordinator Fabio Figueiras (P)
Chronology of the event
8:00pm - Official opening
Opening greetings by Fábio Figueiras, followed by the handover of the floor to Giorgio Chinellato, President of Panathlon International.
8:05pm - Welcome message by Giorgio Chinellato, President of Panathlon International.
8:10pm - PowerPoint presentation by João Paulo Almeida with key concepts, challenges and trends.
8:30pm - Interactive discussion
Participants: Fábio Figueiras, Nuno Perestrelo and João Paulo Almeida. Suggested topics: - How to guarantee betting integrity? - Effective vs. permissive systems - Emerging technologies such as AI - The role of federations and the media - Is the criminalisation of match-fixing sufficient?
8:50pm - Open space for questions from online participants.
9:00pm - Closing and final summary. Summary and final conclusions by Fábio Figueiras
The webinar will be held in Portuguese with automatic translation of subtitles on zoom for all languages.
We invite PI members and all interested parties to participate in this interesting on-line meeting
Access with the QRCode or
Free event ....
The press conference for the “104 - The Caregiving Expo” Fair was held today at the Rugby Pordenone clubhouse. This unique and extraordinary event brings together the entire world of care for disabled and frail people at the Pordenone exhibition centre. In the presence of the mayor of Pordenone and the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Udine and Pordenone, the president of the Pordenone Fair, Renato Pujatti, presented this innovative event, which aims to be a trailblazer in a very important and delicate sector. There will be 170 exhibitors, including the most important companies in the sector, associations dealing with these issues, doctors and nurses, with meetings, seminars and demonstrations aimed at the public, professionals and private individuals who wish to attend. Admission is free upon registration.
Panathlon International was given a place of honour, represented by IB Member Paolo Perin who, together with Marinella d'Ambrosio of ANAOAI, explained how an entire pavilion will be reserved for sport. The patron of the event will be Giada Rossi, the talented Paralympic gold medallist in table tennis in Paris, who will also be the star, together with her national teammates, of an exciting exhibition.
There will be a large international participation from Slovenia, Croatia and Austria.
The inauguration, scheduled for 1.45 p.m. on Thursday 8 May, will be attended by President Giorgio Chinellato together with important representatives of international Panathlon clubs and the world of Paralympic sport. Our communications manager Filippo Grassia will moderate a round table discussion entitled “Sport and disability”, in which representatives from the four countries will talk about the management of Paralympic sport in their respective countries.
In the following days, international teams will compete in tournaments and demonstration matches of baskin, powerchair hockey and sitting volleyball. Thanks to 200 athletes and 25 sports clubs, it will be possible to try out more than 20 different sports under the guidance of coaches and athletes.
