“Poster Showcase: where every image counts — join us! Watch the video.”
Poster Showcase Project: Great turnout and lots of enthusiasm!
Yesterday evening, 30 March at 8.00 pm CET, an information session dedicated to the Poster Showcase project took place, attended by no fewer than 23 participants.
The event was characterised by a positive atmosphere and the genuine interest shown by the clubs present, who asked targeted and constructive questions. In particular, attention focused on the procedures for submitting projects – confirming that projects from previous years are also eligible, provided they have already been completed – and on how to prepare the presentation materials.
The valuable work of the working group, coordinated by CRE President Antonio Bramante, in support of the initiative was also highlighted.
It was clarified that the poster will be produced directly by the Secretariat, with the invaluable support of Club Vlaanderen, thus relieving participants of this organisational burden.
A well-attended and energetic meeting, which once again confirms the desire to collaborate and share valuable experiences within our network. Next meeting in two weeks’ time: keep following us for all the updates!
Welcome to Sander Renson! A new Erasmus experience at Panathlon International
On Monday, 23 March 2026, Panathlon International had the pleasure of welcoming Mr Sander Renson to its headquarters in Rapallo. He arrived in Italy to undertake an Erasmus internship, on a voluntary basis, within the framework of the International Sports Diplomacy Master Program.
The study programme is promoted by the Hungarian University of Sports Science, a prestigious academic institution based in Budapest, internationally recognised for its education in the fields of sport and sports diplomacy.
During his stay, Mr Renson will be engaged at the offices of Panathlon International and will subsequently continue his internship also in online mode. He will have the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the organisation’s activities and the work of the General Secretariat, with particular focus on the organisation of international events and on the poster project addressed to Clubs in preparation for the International Congress. Also actively developing future projects and cooperation initiatives to strenghten the mission of Panathlon International.
On 25 March, he had the opportunity to introduce himself to the members of the International Council during an online meeting, sharing his background and his interest in the activities of the Panathlon movement.
This initiative represents an important opportunity for mutual exchange and growth, strengthening the dialogue between the academic world and sports institutions, in line with the mission of Panathlon International to promote the ethical and cultural values of sport.
It is also a matter of great satisfaction to note that Mr Renson has recently been elected President of the Panathlon Club International Vlaanderen, a role that reflects his commitment to the movement. Participants in the International Congress and the General Assembly in Ghent will also have the opportunity to meet him in person.
Panathlon International extends its warmest welcome to Mr Renson and wishes him a fruitful and rewarding period of work and training.
The IPACS Handbook on Sport Governance is now also available in Italian and German
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.
Global Winner of the 2025 IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Awards
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
Ghent 2026: host city of the 23rd Panathlon International Congress, the 52nd General Assembly and the Jacques Rogge Award ceremony
From 4 to 7 June 2026, the charming city of Ghent will host the 23rd International Congress, the 52nd Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly and the Panathlon International Jacques Rogge Award ceremony.
This is a major event for the Panathletic movement, which will bring together delegates and representatives from numerous countries to celebrate 75 years of Panathlon International and discuss issues relating to sport, ethics and sporting culture.
The proceedings will take place at the Scala Event Centre, a modern conference facility that is easily accessible and equipped with affiliated hotels.
The International Congress will open on the afternoon of Thursday 4 June with the first session and will continue the morning of 5 June. In the afternoon participants will move to Ghent City Hall for the institutional reception and the Jacques Rogge Award ceremony, followed by a dinner in the historic city centre.
Saturday 6 June will be dedicated to the 52nd Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly of Panathlon International with proposals to amend the PI Statute. If necessary, the Extraordinary Assembly may continue Sunday 7 June.
The day will conclude with the Communication Award, celebrations for the 75th Anniversary of PI and the Gala Dinner.
Links for reservations and further details will be announced shortly.
The event promises to be an important moment of gathering and celebration for the international Panathletic community. We look forward to seeing you there!
XXIII Panathlon International Congress “Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport”
Save the Date!
4th - 5th June 2026
Ghent (Belgium)
XXIII Panathlon International Congress
“Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport”
Fair Play Awards return to Italy for Milano Cortina 2026
Fair Play Awards return to Italy for Milano Cortina 2026, 62 years after first honour
With Milano Cortina 2026, the Fair Play Awards will spotlight standout acts of sportsmanship, integrity and solidarity from the Olympic Winter Games. Here’s how to submit your vote.
Read the article and vote!
Votes can be submitted via this dedicated link:
22nd ColleMar-athon
ColleMar-athon, in collaboration with Panathlon International, presents the International Marathon and Half Marathon Championships as part of the 22nd ColleMar-athon, which will be held on 3 May 2026.
Click on the link to visit the website.
https://www.collemar-athon.com/
Milan, AI meets Olympism: ethics, innovation and values at the heart of the debate for Milan Cortina 2026
MILAN, 12 February 2026 - How can we manage the delicate relationship between artificial intelligence, ethics and the Olympic movement? How can we use technology responsibly, maintaining a firm commitment to Olympic values while exploiting AI in research, training and innovation in sport?
These are the questions at the heart of the International Symposium "Olympic Values and Artificial Intelligence", hosted at Palazzo Lombardia on the occasion of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The event was promoted by Panathlon International together with the International Society of Olympic Historians, the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee and the International Fair Play Committee, organisations committed to spreading Olympic culture and its founding principles.
Gary Rhodes (California State University, Dominguez Hills) moderated the proceedings, which were divided into three thematic panels:
• Sparks of Olympism: 'lighting up the future with Coubertin, artificial intelligence and education in Olympic values'
• Ethical and responsible artificial intelligence
• Preserving the past, enhancing the future: artificial intelligence and the public dissemination of Olympic heritage
International experts shared strategic visions and best practices, with valuable contributions from the heads of the IOC's AI Department and Ethics and Compliance Division, giving rise to a concrete and qualified discussion between technological innovation and institutional responsibility.
The human element remains central
One concept ran through all the presentations: AI should not replace athletes, but rather amplify fairness, inclusion and personalisation.
Even in popular sports such as football, the most realistic model remains a hybrid one: human referees supported by intelligent systems, capable of ensuring objectivity without sacrificing the excitement and unpredictability of the game.
Olympism is a timeless educational vision, while technology is a temporary tool that must be guided responsibly.
The challenge for our generation, it was emphasised in closing, is to ensure that Excellence, Friendship and Respect remain the compass that guides innovation.
"AI in sport does not replace the athlete, but amplifies fairness, inclusion and personalisation, always keeping the human element at the centre."
For Milano Cortina 2026, the message is clear: the future of sport will be intelligent, but it must remain deeply human.
The event was included as part of the cultural initiatives of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.