Panathlon International

The Reference Handbook and Guidelines for Sport Governance, presented at the 8th IPACS Annual General Conference in October 2025, is now also available in Italian and German.

The new versions have been published in the section on good governance within the IPACS toolkit, alongside the editions already available in English, French and Spanish.

Among the organisations that took part in the IPACS meetings was Panathlon International, which is committed to promoting ethical values in sport.

The IPACS Support Office expressed its gratitude to the Swiss Government, which contributed to the translation of the Handbook into the two new languages to facilitate its wider dissemination.

the good governance section of the IPACS tools library

On 21 and 22 March, the International Sitting Volleyball Tournament, sponsored by Panathlon International, will take place in Sacile (PN). The initiative represents an important opportunity for sporting and cultural exchange between different communities, in the spirit of the values that Panathlon International promotes and disseminates.

The tournament will feature several teams from various parts of Italy and Europe: GIS Sacile, CUS Verona, Vicenza, Brembate Sopra, Modena, Ravenna, as well as the international teams Gorica (Slovenia) and Lavia Copenhagen (Denmark).

The event aims to be a significant opportunity to promote sport as a tool for educational growth, sharing and dialogue between different cultures.

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.

Presentation video for the 23rd International Congress: "Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport” d

Presentation video for the 23rd International Congress

Abhijit Bhattacharya named Global Winner of the 2025 IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Awards

Abhijit Bhattacharya, a former captain of the Indian men’s national volleyball team, has been named the Global Winner of the 2025 International Olympic Committee (IOC) Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Champions Award for his impactful grassroots initiatives in rural India, ensuring equal access and visibility for girls and boys in sport.

Alongside the global award, five continental winners have also been recognised:

Africa: Racheal Kundananji, Zambia

Americas: Mónica Elvira Franco Luzcando, Panama

Asia: Kim Yeon-koung OLY, South Korea

Europe: Michele Kang, France

Oceania: Robyn Cockburn, New Zealand

Press Release

Today, 6 March 2026, is the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, one of the most important sporting events dedicated to athletes with disabilities. The opening ceremony will be held in the historic Arena di Verona, where the show that will officially kick off the Games will begin at 8 p.m.

During the evening, the delegations of the participating countries will parade and the Paralympic flame will be symbolically lit. The show, entitled “Life in Motion”, combines music, art and entertainment to celebrate the values of sport and inclusion.

The Paralympics will take place from 6 to 15 March 2026 in various locations in northern Italy, including Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Approximately 665 athletes from over 50 countries will participate, competing in 79 events in disciplines such as Paralympic alpine skiing, snowboarding, biathlon and para ice hockey.

This event is not only a major sporting competition, but also an important opportunity to promote inclusion, courage and determination, which are fundamental values of the Paralympic movement.

Le Panathlon Wallonie-Bruxelles collabore au colloque organisé les 19 et 20 mars par Stop Racism in Sport (et ses autres partenaires : les Territoires de la Mémoire et le MRAX) : « Regard inclusif sur les bonnes pratiques pour lutter contre les discriminations raciales dans le sport ». 

Ce colloque se tiendra à la Cité Miroir, à Liège.

La journée du vendredi 20 mars est destinée aux acteurs et actrices du monde sportif et associatif concernés par la problématique. 

L’objectif de cette journée est de valoriser les bonnes pratiques existantes, favoriser le partage d’expériences et renforcer les coopérations entre acteurs et actrices de terrain.

Cette journée proposera des présentations d’initiatives existantes en Belgique et en Europe, des échanges et des ateliers concrets visant à outiller les acteurs et actrices de terrain.

Les inscriptions sont ouvertes pour la journée du vendredi 20 mars 2026 via le lien suivant : CLIQUEZ ICI

Vous pouvez également assister à la Conférence qui aura lieu en soirée le jeudi 19 mars 2026 : ICI

Cliquez-ici pour le description du Colloque

3 Mai 2026 - 9ème édition  Course des 2 Chapelles

Le Panathlon Club Chablais organise la 9ème édition de cette course de montagne dans les alpes valaisannes, entre Monthey et les Cerniers.

 Dimanche 3 mai 2026 à partir de 8h.

Parrainé par les champions de course à pied Maude Mathys, César Costa et Florian Vieux, cet événement caritatif en soutien aux jeunes sportives et sportifs du Chablais rencontre plein de succès d'année en année. La Course des 2 Chapelles est une étape de la Coupe valaisanne de la Montagne (CVSM) et de la Fédération Valaisanne d'Athlétisme (FVA). Les parcours sont accessibles à tout le monde, tant aux spécialistes qu'aux familles. Ils se composent de routes goudronnées et de sentiers de randonnée.

Inscriptions ouvertes sur https://in.sptiming.com/c2l26 

course-des-2-chapelles

WINTERTHUR - Bei der Publikumswahl an den "Winterthurer Sport-Ehrungen" in der AXA-Arena wurde die Trampolinturnerin Zoe Tellenbach als "Winterthurer Sportlerin des Jahres" gewählt und mit dem von der Sportstiftung Winterthur offerierten Siegercheck ausgezeichnet. Nominiert für die Wahl waren auch der U 23 Mountainbike-Weltmeister Finn Treudler sowie Kugel- und Steinstösser Urs Hutmacher.

Vorgängig wurden rund 300 Einzel- und Team-SportlerInnen, die sich im letzten Jahr an nationalen oder internationalen Meisterschaften in den Medaillenrängen klassierten, geehrt und von Stadtpräsident Mike Künzle ausgezeichnet. Auch Sport-Stadträtin Martina Blum dankte in ihrer Begrüssungsrede den lokalen Sportvereinen und den vielen ehrenamtlich tätigen Trainern, Betreuern und Sportfunktionären für ihr riesiges Engagement.

In ihrer Grussadresse gratulierte auch Panathlon-Präsidentin Santi Suter den erfolgreichen Winterthurer Athletinnen und Athleten und lobte sie als Vorbilder und hervorragende Aushängeschilder der Stadt.

Enzo Chierici "Winterthurer Sportförderer des Jahres" 

Der Panathlon-Club Winterthur zeichnete ausserdem den langjährige Karate-Trainer und –Funktionär Enzo Chierici als "Winterthurer Sportförderer des Jahres" aus. Den Sieger-Check für diese Auszeichnung offerierte das Migros-Kulturprozent.

Winterthurer SportlerInnen danken Mike Künzle 

Mit viel herzlichem und lang anhaltendem Applaus verabschiedeten die Winterthurer SportlerInnen den abtretenden Stadtpräsidenten Mike Künzle. Ex-BMX-Weltmeister und Panathlon-Mitglied Roger Rinderknecht würdigte Künzles Verdienste für den Winterthurer Sport, seine häufige Präsenz an den verschiedensten Vereinsanlässen und seine unzähligen, anerkennenden und legendären kräftigen „Händedrücke“.

Deadline extended to 16 March 2026 for hotel bookings and race registration

PANATHLON SCI 2026 - International Alpine Skiing Championship

Alpe Cimbra - TN - FOLGARIA - “Salizzona” and “Fondo Grande” slopes

Saturday, 21 March 2026

Below is the link to the event with the terms and conditions for hotel bookings, race registration and payment methods:

https://www.alpecimbra.it/it/homepage/panathlon-sci-2026/1527-0.html

For organisational reasons, race registration is only possible online by clicking on the link below (link included in the one already highlighted above)

PANATHLON SCI 2026

Anyone having problems registering online and paying by PayPal or VISA/Mastercard credit card can contact the Folgaria Tourist Board directly by writing to:

incoming@alpecimbra.it

or by calling

0464-724148 - and asking for Barbara (from 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday to Friday)

Press release