Brussels, 17 November 2025 – Thanks to the fruitful relations that continue to exist between Panathlon International, the European and International Olympic Committees and the European Institutions, International President Giorgio Chinellato – together with District President Paul Standaert, President of EFPM and Past President of Club Wallonie-Bruxelles Philippe Housiaux and other Belgian Panathletes – was invited to the European Evening of Sport, held in Brussels on 17 November. During the evening, President Chinellato was able to present Panathlon International to IOC President Kirsty Coventry and engage in discussions with the many personalities present.
The event, hosted by the EOC EU Office at the Representation of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union, brought together over 300 leaders from the Olympic Movement, European institutions and the world of sport, with the aim of celebrating shared values and strengthening cooperation between European sport and EU institutions.
The evening was attended by, among others, IOC President Kirsty Coventry, President of the European Olympic Committees Spyros Capralos and European Commissioner for Intergenerational Equity, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef. All 49 European Olympic Committees were invited to the meeting, dedicated to the theme “Sport is more than a Game”, to reflect on the unifying role of sport in a complex and ever-changing global context.
One of the highlights was the panel discussion ‘More Than a Game: The Role of Sports in Challenging Times’, which highlighted the impact of sport on public health, education, diplomacy and inclusion, reiterating the need for strong partnerships and coordinated policies to fully realise its potential.
The evening concluded with a tribute to the outgoing Director of the EOC EU Office, Folker Hellmund, and a lively networking session. The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of the European Union and the Olympic Movement to making sport a tool that inspires, educates and unites communities across Europe.
