The second Steering Committee Meeting of the Panathlon International coordinated YOULEAD project was successfully held online on 21 May 2026, bringing together project partners from across Europe to review ongoing progress and prepare the next phases of implementation.
The meeting provided an opportunity for partners to exchange updates on current activities, particularly regarding the advancement of the research phase and the preparation of the upcoming Transnational Project Meeting (TPM), which will take place in Podgorica, Montenegro, in June 2026.
Discussions also focused on coordination matters related to project management, communication and dissemination activities, as well as the continued collaboration between partners in ensuring the smooth development of project outputs. Particular attention was given to strengthening cooperation between work packages and supporting a coherent transition towards the next implementation phase of the project.
Partners also reviewed the current status of the YOULEAD communication tools, including the project website, and highlighted the importance of ensuring visibility for the project’s activities and milestones at both national and international level.
The meeting concluded with a positive outlook towards the forthcoming TPM in Podgorica and reaffirmed the strong collaborative spirit among consortium partners as the YOULEAD project continues to progres
Invitation from International President Giorgio Chinellato to the 23rd International Congress of the P.I., Gdansk, 4–5 June 2026
Brussels – 19 May
Brussels experienced a moment that was both symbolic, festive and rich in universal values. On the occasion of the United Nations Resolution proclaiming 19 May as World Fair Play Day, Manneken Pis, the most famous citizen of Brussels and an emblematic ambassador of folklore, carried out a unique and symbolic ratification of this international day.
Following this meaningful act, he also signed the Fair Play Manifesto, committing to actively promote these essential values. True to this commitment, he wore his special “World Fair Play Day” costume, conveying with humor and simplicity a universal message: Fair Play extends far beyond sport and becomes a value of respect, fairness and solidarity — truly everyone’s business.
“For once… I’m not just letting the water flow, but also common sense! Fair Play is like me: simple, sincere and for everyone. On this 19 May, I invite you all to play fair — with a smile, with respect… and a touch of Brussels spirit!”
A Brussels symbol serving a global message
Through this symbolic act, Brussels reaffirms its role as a capital of human values, where folklore becomes the messenger of a universal commitment.
Supported by the International Fair Play Committee (IFPC), Panathlon International and the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM) — initiators and custodians of the spirit of the Resolution — this initiative helps spread the message of Fair Play to the general public and the international community.
International voices highlight the importance of Fair Play
The President of the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) Sunil Sabharwal stated:
“Securing May 19 as a UN-endorsed "World Fair Play Day" is a major milestone, but our mandate stretches far beyond a single day of celebration. Fair Play cannot be a calendar event; it must be an unwavering, daily standard practiced on every field and in every facet of life. As the sporting world faces evolving ethical challenges, we at CIFP are actively stepping up to drive this culture change and ensure that integrity remains a living reality every single day."
The President of Panathlon International (PI) Giorgio Chinellato emphasized:
“Education in values must become a constant, both in sports clubs and in schools. By continuously transmitting these principles, we build a more just and respectful society.”
The President of the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM) Philippe Housiaux added:
“The initiative launched as early as 2013 by Panathlon Wallonie-Bruxelles, which I had the honor to chair at the time, has now gained global dimension. It brings together a community of more than two billion sports practitioners around the values of Fair Play.”
World Fair Play Day promotes fundamental values such as respect, integrity and solidarity, both in sport and in society as a whole.
Pictured: Philippe Housiaux, President of the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM); Sunil Sabharwal, President of the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP); and Giorgio Chinellato, International President of Panathlon International.
19 May marks World Fair Play Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 to recognise the universal value of fair play, rooted in the Olympic spirit and fundamental not only in sport but also in society.
On this occasion, the Presidents of the International Fair Play Committee (IFPC), Panathlon International and the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM) will come together in Brussels to celebrate this important international event.
Manneken Pis, the city’s symbol and an iconic ambassador of Brussels folklore, will also pay tribute to the Day by wearing a costume dedicated to Fair Play.
Fair Play goes far beyond the world of sport: it is a universal value of respect, fairness, responsibility and goodwill, which concerns every person and every aspect of social life.
A new Manifesto has been drawn up for the occasion, through which the organisers aim to reaffirm the fundamental principles of Fair Play and spread its message internationally. Everyone is invited to sign and share it, thereby helping to strengthen a culture based on respect, loyalty and responsibility.
Panathlon International invites all Clubs to mark this day through press releases, meetings, initiatives and moments of reflection, bearing in mind that Fair Play represents one of the fundamental pillars of the Panathlon identity.
As International President Giorgio Chinellato emphasised:
‘Fair Play is one of the fundamental values of Panathlon International; it is a guiding principle for approaching sport and life with fairness, respect and responsibility. On 19 May, on the occasion of World Fair Play Day, we celebrate its deepest meaning and reaffirm our commitment to promoting it in every context.’
SAVE THE DATE!
Dear Panathlon Friends,
On the upcoming 19th (Tuesday) at 2:30 PM (Brazil time) we will hold another event within the Webinar Series, organized by the Panathlon International Commission for Culture, Research, and Education.
On this occasion, Paul Standaert, President of Panathlon International – Belgium District and host of the events to be held in Ghent, Belgium, on June 4, 5, 6, and 7, will join us.
The theme “The Journey to Ghent Begins Here” aims to provide an overview of all the activities scheduled for those dates.
Don’t miss it!
21 May 2026, 12:00 CEST
Online | Duration: 60 minutes
This webinar will explore how sport and physical activity can contribute more effectively to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), moving beyond broad policy frameworks toward practical and context-sensitive implementation strategies.
Bringing together international perspectives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and experts from Latin America, Oceania, and Africa, the session will examine how sport systems, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen contributions to health, education, inclusion, and equity.
The discussion will focus on:
Translating global frameworks into measurable impact
Scaling sport and physical activity initiatives across contexts
Leadership and governance in sport systems
Lessons learned from regional experiences
Strengthening connections between research, policy, and practice
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/cb2b94bd-dd62-45af-b03f-258f047e4a06@64886f87-8ebc-4dfa-abe6-509d4f4c941e
The names of the panellists will be announced over the coming days.
We warmly encourage all members and partners to join us for this important discussion and to share the event within your networks.
We look forward to welcoming you online.
Rapallo, 6 May 2026 – The General Secretariat of Panathlon International, at Villa Queirolo in Rapallo, was delighted to welcome a delegation from the Switzerland and Principality of Liechtenstein District, led by President Peter Wüthrich.
The guests were welcomed by International President Giorgio Chinellato, First Vice-President of Panathlon International Stefano Giulieri, Secretary General Simona Callo and the staff of the General Secretariat.
The Swiss delegation comprised, in addition to President Wüthrich, Hansjörg Wyss, Vice-President of the CH-FL District, Ivan Degliesposti, President of the Panathlon Club Lugano, and Sandra Wiedmer and Philippe Cottet, members of the CH-FL District Council.
The visit provided an important opportunity to get to know the Panathlon International headquarters at close quarters, to gain a deeper understanding of the tasks and activities carried out daily by the General Secretariat, and to share the Movement’s international activities. Attention was paid to the topics of communication, the dissemination of projects, and training to support the Clubs.
Following the official meeting, after a toast at the headquarters, a convivial dinner was held at the Rapallo Golf Club, organised by the President of the Panathlon Club Chiavari-Tigullio, Fabrizio Pagliettini. The evening was also attended by Giorgio Costa, President of District Italy; Germano Tabaroni, Governor of Area 5 Liguria; Adelindo Molinari, President of the Panathlon Club Rapallo-Tigullio Occidentale; along with several members of the Club.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of great cordiality and friendship, confirming the spirit of sharing that unites Panathletes and offering a valuable opportunity to further strengthen the ties between the Italy District and the District Switzerland and Principality of Liechtenstein.
A significant moment of dialogue and institutional solidarity, with eyes already turned towards the next joint event: the international events in Ghent.
The International Board of Panathlon International met online on 30 April, from 2.00 pm to 6.30 pm, to examine and deliberate on a number of issues of importance to the life of the association and the Movement’s upcoming institutional events.
At the start of the meeting, the Board observed a minute’s silence in memory of Giorgio Piazza, President of the Panathlon Club La Malpensa, and Alfonso Geoffrey Recorder Rental, President of the Mexico City Club, who had recently passed away, recalling their commitment and dedication to Panathlon values.
The Board also examined the International Board’s Activity Report and the General Secretariat’s Organisational Report, approving their contents. After deliberating on the proposal to maintain current membership fees to be submitted to the Assembly, the IB gave its approval for the dispatch of the notice convening the Ordinary Assembly, scheduled to take place in person on 6 June in Ghent, complete with all attached documentation.
During the meeting, attention was also given to the Ethical Charters and the Junior Clubs Regulations, documents which will be sent to the Clubs as soon as possible in view of their presentation to the Assembly. Participation in the Caribbean Games was also discussed, as a further opportunity to raise the Movement’s profile on the international stage.
The meeting then continued with a review of the items on the agenda. Particular attention was paid to an update on the tasks and upcoming commitments related to the Erasmus+ projects, which will involve Panathletes and staff from the General Secretariat in important international activities, particularly in Izmir, Turkey, and in Montenegro.
Subsequently, the Board analyzed Paul Standaert’s report on his participation in the EU Sport Forum, also focusing on the project dedicated to the issue of Hikikomori and on the granting of certain patronages. During the meeting, it was also announced that the President of the Switzerland and Principality of Liechtenstein District would visit the General Secretariat in Rapallo on 6 May, accompanied by a delegation, marking a significant moment of institutional engagement and solidarity.
Finally, considerable attention was given to the organisation of the forthcoming General Assembly and the events scheduled in Ghent, as well as to the preparation of the Flambeau d’Or Award and the Communication Award, significant events that confirm Panathlon International’s commitment to promoting ethics, sporting culture and communication in the service of the Movement’s values.
The meeting concluded following a fruitful discussion, which enabled the group to address numerous strategic issues and prospects for the future.
President Giorgio Chinellato and Panathlon International remember Alex Zanardi: a friend, a great man and an exemplary athlete.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
There was great enthusiasm and an extraordinary turnout for the Panathlon Clubs Projects Showcase: a total of 43 projects were presented by clubs from all over the world, providing concrete evidence of the vitality, passion and spirit of service that drive Panathlon International.
The initiative, conceived as a genuine showcase of Panathlon values – rather than a competition – exceeded all expectations, making it necessary to expand the exhibition space. This result highlights the quality and variety of the projects implemented to benefit local communities.
During the meeting on Friday 24 April, the Commission responsible for the project defined the next operational steps, launching the project analysis phase, organised by geographical area, which will lead to the final exhibition scheduled for June.
A warm and sincere thank you to all the participating Clubs: with their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment, they are making a decisive contribution to making this initiative one of the most significant moments in the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of Panathlon International.
