Panathlon International

New webinars to promote ethics, integrity and inclusion in sport.

The work of Panathlon International’s Culture, Research and Education Commission continues, as it remains committed to promoting the values of sport through in-depth discussions, training initiatives and international collaboration projects.

The next event is scheduled for Thursday 29 October 2026, at 6.00 pm (CET) – 2.00 pm (BRASILIA), with a new webinar dedicated to the theme “Ethical reflections on justice, public health and inclusion in sport”, coordinated by Köle Gjeloshaj .

The session will draw on the research of Claire Nowick, a former student on the Erasmus Mundus Master’s programme in Ethics and Integrity in Sport (MAiSI), and Giulia Sesa, a PhD student in the Doctoral Training Network in Ethics and Integrity in Sport (DAiSI). The session will be presented by Professor Silvia Camporesi, lecturer in Integrity and Ethics in Sport at KU Leuven.

Access via the QR code or  

https://bit.ly/webinarseries-pi

We invite you to share this and hope to see many of you there!

Paul Standaert represented Panathlon International at the 2026 kick off of EWOS. This year the event took place in Dublin, organized by the Irish Presidency of the EU.

On 23 September, Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, opened the Presidency Conference and welcomed delegates from leading sport organisations, sport federations, European networks and policymaking bodies. The programme combined plenary sessions on the role of traditional sports and games (TSGs) across Europe and on sport as cultural heritage with parallel thematic sessions.

The morning sessions took place under the theme "Pathways to Growth", with a focus on diversity and on social inclusion and disability. In the afternoontvwo further parallel sessions followed, on "Sport and Changing Demographics" and on "Sustainability and Sport: The Role of Traditional Sports and Games".

Georg Hausler, Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport at the European Commission (DG EAC), and Sarah Lynch, Deputy Head of Unit at DG EAC, presented the main findings of the newly published 2026 Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity (https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3685).

During the discussions, Andrej Pisl of the EUSA Institute highlighted the European Citizens project "Give Sport a Say". The project empowers people and sporting communities by giving them a direct voice in decision-making and civic dialogue. Afterwards, participants visited Croke Park Stadium, watched a demonstration by the Irish Guild of Hurley Makers and were introduced to traditional Gaelic games.

The following day marked the opening of the European Week of Sport (23–30 September). In keeping with the #BeActive initiatives, participants took part in para-sport activities before the formal launch ceremony, moderated by Paralympic athlete Ellen Keane.

Panathlon follow-up

Georg Hausler was keynote speaker at the Panathlon Congress in Ghent earlier this year. At this conference in Dublin, Paul Standaert spoke with him about possible Erasmus+ projects between Panathlon and European and non-European partners. The EU antenna in Brussels can further develop this approach as Paul has registered for Panathlon International at the Erasmus Plus Sport Event in Brussels on December 18th.

Paul also met 2024 Olympic pommel horse gold medallist Rhys McClenagan (at his training session), as well as Paralympic gold medallist Ellen Keane who was the master of ceremony at the official start of EWOS.

Finally, contact was made with Leandro Mendes of European Lotteries to discuss possible collaboration with Panathlon International.

On 7 October 2026, we held a coordination meeting to prepare the upcoming YOULEAD – Leading the Game Transnational Project Meeting in Seville.

Together with our Spanish hosting partner, we reviewed the logistics, programme and key activities for the meeting, which will bring the YOULEAD partners together to advance our work on gender-balanced youth leadership in sports governance.

The preparations are progressing well, with the Info Pack and programme now being finalised. We look forward to meeting again in Seville and continuing to move YOULEAD forward! 

#YOULEAD #LeadingTheGame #ErasmusPlus #Sport #YouthLeadership #SportsGovernance #GenderEquality

In the prestigious setting of the Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Verona, as part of RelazionExpo, the conference “Sport that Builds Relationships” took place, dedicated to the role of sport as a tool for inclusion, personal growth, wellbeing and the development of human relationships.

The event provided an important opportunity to explore highly topical issues, confirming the tangible contribution of sporting activity to building positive bonds, strengthening a sense of belonging and promoting a culture based on respect, participation and solidarity.

The proceedings were opened by the International President of Panathlon International, Giorgio Chinellato, who highlighted the ethical principles and values underpinning the Panathlon movement and the role of sport as a universal language, capable of fostering dialogue, integration and community growth.

This was followed by contributions from International Board Member Fabiano Gerevini, who reflected on the importance of the relationships that are formed and strengthened through sporting activity; psychologist Federica Perolini, on the psychological aspects linked to interpersonal relationships; Emanuela Schiavini, on the relationship between health, wellbeing and sporting activity; journalist Giovanna Pastega, on the role of communication in conveying the values of sport; and Paralympic champion Sandra Truccolo, who gave a particularly moving account of the inclusive value of sport and its ability to transform difficulties into opportunities for personal and collective growth.

During the conference, various aspects relating to the educational and social dimensions of sport were explored in depth: from the promotion of authentic relationships and emotional skills to the contribution made to preventing distress, safeguarding mental and physical wellbeing, and building positive social networks.

Particular attention was paid to the ‘Seconda Chance’ project, presented by Giovanna Pastega and Sandra Truccolo, which aims to promote sporting activities within prisons as an opportunity for social rehabilitation, personal growth and reintegration. The project involves both prisoners and prison service staff, highlighting the value of sport as a tool for dialogue, mutual respect and the creation of new perspectives, even in the most complex contexts.

Considerable attention was also given to the phenomenon of Hikikomori and Panathlon International’s commitment to raising awareness of this growing social crisis. The speakers emphasised the role of sport as a practical resource for preventing isolation, boosting self-esteem, encouraging socialisation and contributing to pathways of inclusion and the restoration of relationships, in collaboration with families, schools, health professionals, educators and sports organisations.

A strong and shared message emerged from the speakers’ discussions: sport is not merely about competition or the pursuit of performance, but a true training ground for life, capable of fostering trust, genuine relationships, a sense of responsibility and new opportunities for individuals and communities.

The conference reaffirmed Panathlon International’s commitment to promoting a sporting culture based on ethics, inclusion and the empowerment of the individual, so that sport may continue to be a genuine driving force for human and social growth.

video recording of Alberto Capilupi, vice-president of the “Panathlon Club Gianni Brera, University of Verona”

Panathlon International and Spain’s Fundación Miguel Induráin held an online meeting on 8 October 2026 to explore new opportunities for collaboration within the Erasmus+ Sport programme.

The meeting brought together Simona Callo, Monica Rossi and Fabio Figueiras from Panathlon International, and Marta Hernández Romero from Fundación Miguel Induráin, a public organisation based in Navarra, Spain.

Discussions focused on shared priorities, particularly gender equality, youth participation in sports governance, inclusion and the promotion of sporting values. Potential joint projects were also explored, with particular interest in initiatives supporting women's health and well-being through physical activity.

The meeting marks a positive step towards strengthening European partnerships and developing concrete initiatives that promote a more inclusive, accessible and values-based sporting environment.

6 october - The visit to Lausanne also represented another important opportunity to strengthen Panathlon International’s network of international partnerships. On this occasion, a collaboration agreement was signed with the International Catch’n Serve Ball Sports Federation (ICSBF), an international organisation committed to promoting an inclusive sport based on the values of equality, respect and fair play.

Relations between the two organisations had been consolidated during the CSIT World Sports Games in San Marino, when the Federation’s President, Elisabeth Speiser-Havel, was presented with an award by Panathlon International. That meeting had provided an important first opportunity for mutual understanding and dialogue, highlighting shared values, objectives and issues to be developed through a more structured collaboration.

The agreement was also signed in Lausanne by the Federation’s Vice-President, Milan Čupić, who had previously spearheaded the establishment of the Panathlon Club Croatia – Pula, confirming a relationship that combines the growth of Panathlon’s presence in the region with new opportunities for international cooperation.

6 October - International President Giorgio Chinellato is in Lausanne to attend the SportAccord Forum 2026, a major international event that brings together representatives from International Federations, the Olympic Movement and leading sports organisations, offering a significant opportunity for dialogue and the development of new relationships within the international sporting community.

During his stay in Lausanne, President Chinellato, accompanied by Past President Pierre Zappelli, also met with representatives of the International Olympic Committee at the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage.

The meeting provided an opportunity to present the main activities and projects promoted by Panathlon International, outlining their aims, progress and impact, as well as to explore possible areas of collaboration and new synergies with the Olympic Movement.

This was a significant opportunity to strengthen dialogue with international sporting institutions and consolidate Panathlon International’s role in promoting the ethical, educational and cultural values of sport.

Following last year’s participation, Panathlon International returns to RelazionEXPO, scheduled to take place from 8 to 10 October 2026 at the Great Guard Palace in Verona.

On Saturday 10 October, from 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm, Panathlon will be the focus of the session ‘Sport that builds relationships – The values that unite the community’.

An opportunity to reflect on sport as a tool for inclusion, dialogue, participation and growth, capable of forging relationships and strengthening the sense of community. Speakers will include, amongst others, Giorgio Chinellato, President of Panathlon International; Sandra Truccolo, Paralympic archery champion; and other experts from the worlds of sport and social welfare. This event reaffirms Panathlon’s commitment to spreading its message and the values of sport beyond the competition arena, where sport becomes an opportunity to come together and build relationships.

Venice, 19 September 2026 – During the evocative Flambeau d’Or ceremony, held at the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista to mark Panathlon’s 75th anniversary, the International Council wished to present International President Giorgio Chinellato with a particularly meaningful surprise, conferring upon him the prestigious Domenico Chiesa Award.

The award was presented on behalf of the International Council as a token of esteem and gratitude for his dedicated efforts in promoting the values of Panathlon and sport, ethics, fair play and friendship between individuals and nations.

It was an unexpected, moving and symbolic moment, taking place in Venice itself – the city where the first Panathlon Club was founded in 1951 and which, 75 years on, has once again welcomed the Panathlon Movement to celebrate its history and look to the future.

It was an honour that President Chinellato received with great emotion, sharing it in spirit with the entire International Council and the whole Panathletic family.

“Ludis iungit” – united by sport and for sport – is Panathlon’s motto and encapsulates a history that began on 12 June 1951 in Venice, before spreading, within a few years, throughout Italy and across the world.

On Saturday 19 September, Panathlon International returned to the city of its origins to celebrate its 75th anniversary alongside that of the Panathlon Club Venezia, the Movement’s founding club. In the prestigious setting of the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, around 300 participants, alongside representatives from institutions and the worlds of sport and culture, came together for a day dedicated to the values that have always inspired Panathlon’s work: ethics, fair play, inclusion, respect for the individual and social responsibility.

The highlight of the celebrations was the presentation of the ‘Flambeau d’Or – in memory of Antonio Spallino’, Panathlon International’s highest honour. Awarded every four years, the prize pays tribute to individuals who, through their sporting and personal journeys, have embodied values that go far beyond competitive results.

The award was presented to two leading figures in international sport: Francesca Porcellato and Bashir Abdi, athletes with vastly different backgrounds, yet united by extraordinary determination and the ability to use sport as a tool for personal growth, inclusion and inspiration.

Francesca Porcellato, one of the most prominent figures in Italian Paralympic sport, has built an exceptional career at the very highest level in athletics, Nordic skiing and handcycling. Having competed in twelve Paralympic Games, right up to Paris 2024, her journey stands as an extraordinary testament to perseverance, the ability to reinvent oneself and a willingness to constantly take on new challenges.

Bashir Abdi, a Belgian athlete of Somali origin and one of the leading figures in world marathon running, won Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020 and silver at Paris 2024, as well as bronze at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene. His competitive career is complemented by a significant commitment to social causes: having arrived in Belgium as a child after leaving Somalia, through Sportaround – the association he founded – he promotes sport as a tool for inclusion and personal development for children and young people.

The Flambeau d’Or ceremony was moderated by journalist Luca Ginetto, former President of the Panathlon Club Venezia, who interviewed the two award winners in a conversation that went beyond sporting achievements, giving them the opportunity to share the experiences, challenges and values that have shaped their journeys.

This gave rise to an intense and authentic dialogue, which brought to the fore the human side of Francesca Porcellato and Bashir Abdi and the deeper meaning of their experiences. Their testimonies thus turned the award ceremony into a moment of reflection on the educational power of sport and the value of setting an example, particularly for the younger generations, who are called upon to recognise sport not only as a competitive challenge but also as a school of life, commitment and responsibility.

The day was further enriched by contributions from Professor Andrea Rinaldo, winner of the 2023 Stockholm Water Prize and a former international rugby player, and Professor Mattia Losi, who explored the relationship between sport, ethics, culture and civic responsibility, with the session coordinated by Roberto Papetti, Editorial Director of Il Gazzettino.

Seventy-five years after that first meeting in Venice in 1951, Panathlon’s return to the city where it all began has taken on a significance that goes beyond the celebration of an anniversary. It was an opportunity to reaffirm a vision of sport founded on excellence, respect, friendship, inclusion and the education of the younger generations – principles that bring Panathlon International’s work very much in line with the ideals of the Olympic Movement.

"Ludis iungit" continues, after 75 years, to represent not just a motto, but a commitment: to unite through sport and to turn sport into a tool for building a better society.

19th of September 2026 - 75° Ceremony - Flambeau D'Or Panathlon International

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