Below are the links to follow the proceedings of the 23rd Panathlon International Congress and the Panathlon International General Assembly, scheduled to take place in Ghent from 4 to 7 June 2026, via live streaming.
To encourage the widest possible participation, all sessions will be broadcast live on the dedicated YouTube channel.
A simultaneous interpretation service with subtitles in all languages will also be available via the Zoom platform through a single link valid for all days of the event.
The languages available will be Italian and English for the Congress sessions (4 and 5 June) and Italian, English and French for the General Assembly sessions (6 and 7 June).
LIVE STREAMING & SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION
Watch the live sessions on YouTube:
- 4 June 2026 – Panathlon Congress | Day 1
https://youtube.com/live/p85QRcSmQWI?feature=share
- 5 June 2026 – Panathlon Congress | Day 2
https://youtube.com/live/QyFAKiySG2Y?feature=share
- 6 June 2026 – Panathlon General Assembly | Day 1
https://youtube.com/live/RhtdrrGmYF0?feature=share
- 7 June 2026 – Panathlon General Assembly | Day 2
https://youtube.com/live/RhtdrrGmYF0?feature=share
Simultaneous Translation (all days)
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89614450445?pwd=hCheVYMpdi3jettnCdphH4Cshj8ZVV.1
ID Riunione: 896 1445 0445 - Passcode: 01856
An online preparatory meeting was held on 28 May with the Panathlon International trainers who will take part in the MindFit VR International Training Course, scheduled to take place in İzmir, Türkiye, from 8 to 12 June 2026.
The meeting, chaired by Fábio Figueiras, aimed to introduce participants to the MindFit VR – Immersive Sports for Mental Well-being project, an Erasmus+ Sport initiative combining sport, mental well-being and digital innovation, and to share the main information regarding the training programme, logistical arrangements and planned activities.
The four Panathlon International trainers who will attend the training course are Teresa Rocha, Ilse Vanhoorelbeke, Rebecca Ripanti and Tunde Stift.
During the course, participants will explore the use of Virtual Reality and hybrid sport approaches as educational tools to promote emotional resilience, mental well-being awareness and new methodologies for working with young people. The training will follow an experiential and participatory approach, combining exchanges, practical activities, group work and shared reflection.
After the training, the trainers will contribute to the next implementation phase of the project, bringing the acquired skills back to their local contexts and supporting the development of activities dedicated to mental well-being through sport and digital innovation.
From 4 to 7 June 2026, Ghent will become the heart of Panathlon International, hosting a series of events of great significance for the Movement: the 23rd International Congress, the 52nd Ordinary General Assembly, the Extraordinary General Assembly and the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of Panathlon International.
The title chosen for the Congress, “Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport”, encapsulates the profound significance of this important moment for the organisation: celebrating a 75-year history, founded on the principles of sporting ethics, fair play and sporting culture, whilst at the same time looking to the challenges of the future with responsibility and vision.
The days in Ghent will provide a valuable opportunity for clubs, districts, regions and representatives of Panathlon International from various countries to meet, exchange views and participate. The Congress will offer a space for reflection on the role of Panathlon today, on its ability to promote unity through sport and on the importance of continuing to spread, especially amongst the younger generations, the values that have always guided its actions.
Alongside the congress and assembly proceedings, the programme includes institutional and celebratory events of particular significance, including the Jacques Rogge Award ceremony at Ghent Town Hall and the Gala Dinner for the 75th anniversary of Panathlon International, during which the Communication Award will also be presented.
Four days to celebrate a history, strengthen an international community and build Panathlon’s path towards the future together.
Panathlon International President’s Committee met online on 26 May 2026, starting at 12.00 p.m. to discuss a number of institutional, cultural and organisational matters ahead of upcoming international events.
At the start of the meeting, the minutes of the previous President’s Committee meeting on 5 March 2026 were approved. This was followed by reports from the President and the Secretary General, who updated participants on the main activities currently underway.
Among the key points of the session, particular attention was paid to the voting procedures for the General Assemblies in Ghent in 2026 and to the establishment of the Committee on the Verification of Credentials for the General Assembly in the Belgian city.
The Committee also addressed the issue of the ethical charters, to be presented at the Assembly, confirming Panathlon International’s commitment to promoting the values of sport and social responsibility.
During the meeting, the granting of sponsorships was also discussed, as well as the phenomenon of hikikomori, an issue of growing social relevance that also affects the world of young people and sport.
There was also an important update on the Panathlon Club Santo Domingo and the Caribbean Games, reflecting the association’s ongoing focus on international activities and the promotion of Panathletic values.
With regard to cultural activities, the Committee reviewed the programme of events planned for Ghent 2026 and the initiatives linked to the Flambeau d’Or, Panathlon International’s historic award.
In the final part of the meeting, organisational aspects relating to upcoming activities were addressed, and it was also announced that a new Club is being established in Croatia, a further sign of Panathlon International’s international growth.
The meeting confirmed Panathlon International’s strong commitment to strengthening its international presence, promoting the ethical values of sport and supporting wide-ranging cultural and social projects
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
Einladung des internationalen Präsidenten Giorgio Chinellato zum XXIII. Internationalen Kongress der P.I. in Gent, 4.–5. Juni 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.
Rapallo, 6. Mai 2026 – Das Generalsekretariat von Panathlon International in der Villa Queirolo in Rapallo hat die Delegation des Distrikts Schweiz und Fürstentum Liechtenstein unter der Leitung von Präsident Peter Wüthrich mit großer Freude empfangen.
Anwesend waren der internationale Präsident Giorgio Chinellato, der erste Vizepräsident von Panathlon International, Stefano Giulieri, die Generalsekretärin Simona Callo sowie die Mitarbeiter des Generalsekretariats.
Die Schweizer Delegation bestand neben Präsident Wüthrich aus Hansjörg Wyss, Vizepräsident des Distrikts CH-FL, Ivan Degliesposti, Präsident des Panathlon Clubs Lugano, sowie Sandra Wiedmer und Philippe Cottet, Mitglieder des Distriktrats CH-FL.
Der Besuch bot eine wichtige Gelegenheit, den Sitz von Panathlon International aus nächster Nähe kennenzulernen, die Aufgaben und täglichen Aktivitäten des Generalsekretariats näher zu beleuchten und sich über die internationalen Aktivitäten der Bewegung auszutauschen. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit galt den Themen Kommunikation, Verbreitung von Projekten und Fortbildung zur Unterstützung der Clubs.
Im Anschluss an das offizielle Treffen und nach einem Umtrunk im Hauptsitz folgte ein geselliges Abendessen im Golf Club von Rapallo, das vom Präsidenten des Panathlon Clubs Chiavari-Tigullio, Fabrizio Pagliettini, organisiert wurde. An dem Abend nahmen auch Giorgio Costa, Präsident des Distrikts Italien, Germano Tabaroni, Gouverneur des Gebiets Ligurien 5, Adelindo Molinari, Präsident des Panathlon-Clubs Rapallo-Tigullio Occidentale, sowie einige Mitglieder des Clubs teil.
Das Treffen fand in einer Atmosphäre großer Herzlichkeit und Freundschaft statt, was den Geist der Verbundenheit unter den Panathleten bekräftigte und eine wertvolle Gelegenheit bot, die n Beziehungen zwischen dem Distrikt Italien und dem Distrikt Schweiz und Fürstentum Liechtenstein weiter zu stärken.
Ein bedeutender Moment des Dialogs und der institutionellen Verbundenheit, mit dem Blick bereits auf das nächste gemeinsame Ereignis gerichtet: die internationalen Veranstaltungen in Gent.
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.