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)
Le Fair-Play, ce n’est pas qu’un mot. C’est un état d’esprit, un engagement, une manière d’agir… chaque jour, partout, pour toutes et tous.
En ce 19 mai, date symbolique reconnue par l’ONU, nous célébrons ensemble ce qui nous unit : respect, inclusion, esprit d’équipe…
Et nos membres ont été nombreux à se mobiliser pour transmettre un message fort et positif.
Merci à toutes celles et ceux qui, par leurs gestes, petits ou grands, font vivre le Fair-Play au quotidien.
Panathlon Club Maldonado - Punta del Este - Programa "Panathlon Caminando Junto a los Niños"
Published in News from Clubs
El 15 de mayo, el Club Panathlon Maldonado Punta del Este dio por comenzado el programa "Panathlon Caminando Junto a los Niños".
La primera jornada tuvo lugar en la Escuela Nº 12 de Los Ceibos, donde contamos con la presencia especial del nadador de aguas frías Álvaro Álvarez como invitado.
Fue una experiencia sumamente enriquecedora, marcada por la calidez del intercambio entre la comunidad de la escuela rural y los integrantes del club que participaron en esta ocasión.
Seguimos creyendo que el deporte une, que el deporte nos enriquece y que nos transmite valores fundamentales para la vida.
Panathlon International Hosts 2nd Webinar Series on Match-Fixing and Betting Integrity
Published in News from Panathlon International
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.
“Disability beyond Borders” - Conference held in Pordenone at the opening of the “104 Caregiving Expo”
Published in News from Panathlon International
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.”
Panathlon International - 2nd Webinar Series - 14 May 2025
Published in News from Panathlon International
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 ....
Sport and disability - An event within the “104 - The caregiving expo” Fair
Published in News from Panathlon International
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.
On Tuesday 29 April, at 12 noon, the exhibition of the thirty best photographs from the 2025 Photo Contest, promoted by the Panathlon International “Domenico Chiesa” Foundation and the Reggio Emilia Municipal Sports Foundation, was inaugurated at UNIMORE in Reggio Emilia.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the Councillor for Sport Stefania Bondavalli, the Director of the Sports Foundation Silvia Signorelli, the President of the Panathlon Club Reggio Emilia and Treasurer of the PI D.Chiesa Foundation, Enrico Prandi, and many panathletes from the club.
The exhibition, part of the OFF Circuit of European Photography 2025, is dedicated to the theme “Being twenty: the sport I live” and involved young photographers between the ages of 18 and 35. The initiative was a great success, offering an authentic glimpse into the world of sport as experienced by Generation Z.
The works on display come from six countries — Argentina, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain and Uruguay — and depict all kinds of sports, not just Olympic ones.
On Saturday 3 May, the award ceremony for the winners was held in Piazza del Giost in Reggio Emilia, in the presence of the President of Panathlon International, Giorgio Chinellato, and local authorities.
THE AWARDS
FIRST PRIZE to “Blades and trail running” by Ilaria Cariello (Italy), with the following motivation:
The shot speaks for itself. It is a testament to how people with disabilities can overcome any difficulty and find in sport a dimension of freedom to express their passion to the extreme, even for so-called able-bodied people. The perfect focus highlights the dynamism of the gesture in a race of great concentration, which only passion and constant training can make possible.
“Blades and trail running” by Ilaria Cariello also received the Panathlon Clubs Special Award, presented by representatives of the 260 Panathlon clubs operating in 31 countries.
SECOND PRIZE went to “Riflessi nella storia” (Reflections in History) by Fabio Piacenza with the following motivation:
The sense of tranquillity and freedom conveyed by the figures running lightly along the Tiber embankment at sunset evokes a journey through beauty, combining physical activity and the urban environment in a deeply meaningful way, which becomes art, assisted by skilful photographic technique.
THIRD PRIZE to ‘Defying the concret’ by Nico Bilinkis (Argentina) with the following motivation:
Born as a street sport, skateboarding made its debut at the Olympic Games in Tokyo and Paris as an “additional” sport and will be part of the ‘main’ sports at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. It is a sport much loved by young and very young people. The photograph shows a training session conducted with careful attention to technique in order to perform an aerial trick aimed at learning one of the figures that are part of the performances. The attention to detail defines the commitment and consistency that we recognise in every sport.
Trois MENTIONS d'honneur ont été décernées à : Pietro Borra, Fabio Piacenza, Vittoria Sonego.
In the cover photo: the Councillor for Sport of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia, Stefania Bondavalli, cuts the ribbon, in the presence of the Director of the Sports Foundation of the Municipality of R.E. Silvia Signorelli, the President of the Panathlon Club Reggio Emilia Enrico Prandi and panathletes from the club.