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.
