Panathlon International

The European Week of Winter Sport (EWWS) is a European initiative celebrating inclusive, sustainable, and accessible winter sport experiences for all.

 From 1 to 8 February 2026, schools, clubs, municipalities, and organizations across Europe will organise local activities under a shared European movement.

Would you like to join and become part of this campaign?

 Take part in the upcoming international webinar “Become an Event Organizer during the European Week of Winter Sport 2026”, taking place on Tuesday, 19 November (10:00–11:00 CET).

During this session, participants will learn:

• How to register their activities as part of the EWWS 2026;

• How to gain visibility at European level;

• How to align with EWWS key values: inclusion, sustainability, and community engagement.

Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aN38bGZ9RbiKrEpjpFKhxg

More information: https://wintersportweek.com

 Together with FICTS, Hikikomori Italia and One Ocean Foundation to promote the values of sport, relationships and sustainability

On 26 October, in the splendid setting of the Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Verona, a conference organised by Panathlon International was held as part of RelazionEXPO, the European event dedicated to relationships as a driver of change, promoted by the Fondazione Relazionésimo ETS.

The meeting represented an important opportunity for discussion between the worlds of sport, communication, social issues and the environment, thanks to the collaboration with FICTS, Hikikomori Italia Genitori ONLUS and One Ocean Foundation.

After institutional greetings from Giuseppe Castaman, Director of the Relazionésimo ETS Foundation, and Dino Ponchio, President of CONI Veneto, the President of FICTS, Franco Ascani, presented the “SPORT MOVIES & TV 2025” Festival.

This was followed by Panathlon International President Giorgio Chinellato, who illustrated the movement's mission and values, emphasising the central role of sport as a tool for personal growth, inclusion and dialogue.

Alberto Bortolotti (Vice-President of Panathlon Club Bologna), Alessandra Rutili (Past-President of Panathlon Club Verona) and Antonella Salemi (teacher and mental coach) explored the theme ‘How the communication of the Olympic Games has changed’ and the transmission of Olympic values to young people.

Elena Carolei, President of Hikikomori Italia Genitori ONLUS, shared the experiences of families affected by the phenomenon of youth social withdrawal, emphasising the importance of sport as an opportunity for reconnection and rebirth.

On the environmental side, Riccardo Bonadeo, President of the One Ocean Foundation, together with Panathlete Marta De Manincor (Panathlon Club Mestre), presented the Charta Smeralda, a code of ethics for the protection of the seas and environmental sustainability.

To conclude the meeting, Valentina Marchei, Head of the Ambassador Programme of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, shared her vision for the upcoming Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, based on inclusion, respect and team spirit.

The conference confirmed Panathlon International's commitment to promoting the ethical values of sport as a tool for building relationships, integration and responsibility towards society and the planet.

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Panathlon International (PI) participated in the Annual Conference of IPACS (International Partnership Against Corruption in Sport), held on 23 October 2025, dedicated to progress in the fight against corruption and the promotion of good governance in sport.

During the meeting, the 2025 activity reports of the two IPACS Task Forces — Good Governance and Cooperation between Criminal Justice Authorities and Sports Organisations — were presented, together with the new IPACS Roadmap 2026.

Good governance and transparency

The Good Governance Task Force launched the “IPACS Sport Governance Benchmark & Guidelines Handbook”, a simplified version of the international model for ethical and responsible management of sports organisations.

The handbook, which is the result of collaboration between governments, sports organisations and international bodies, offers practical recommendations on issues such as conflict of interest, gender equality and managerial responsibility.

Throughout the year, the Task Force promoted awareness-raising and training activities, including online workshops and an event in Athens, organised with the Council of Europe and the Hellenic Olympic Committee, which led to the latter joining IPACS.

Synergies between justice and sport

The Task Force on Cooperation with Judicial Authorities, led by UNODC and the IOC, continued its work to improve international cooperation in the fight against corruption.

Key results included the preparation of a legislative guide on the prosecution of sports corruption cases and an international webinar involving 125 prosecutors from 60 countries.

Panathlon International's commitment

Through its participation, Panathlon International confirms its commitment to promoting ethical values and transparency in sport, in line with IPACS's mission.

PI will continue to support dialogue and cooperation between institutions for an increasingly honest and responsible sporting environment.

On Monday, October 20, the first meeting of the Erasmus project “MindFit VR: Immersive Sports for Mental Well-being” was held.

Panathlon International was represented by Fabio Figueiras and Monica Rossi, while President Giorgio Chinellato and the Secretary General were in Mexico attending the Pan American Congress.

During the meeting, together with Aladdin Alrifai (Budapest Association for International Sports) and Ilknur Dinç (Deneyimsel Egitim Merkezi Dernegi – Turkey), the next step was defined: the kick-off meeting in Budapest, scheduled for November 2025.

The “MindFit VR” project combines sport and virtual reality to promote mental health, inclusion, and well-being among young people across Europe.

On October 21, 2025, the EPAS 2025 Diversity Conference took place — the annual event of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) of the Council of Europe, dedicated to exploring how sport can promote dialogue and cooperation between young and older generations.

Experts and representatives of European sports institutions discussed inclusion, solidarity, and intergenerational collaboration, with panels focusing on youth engagement, active aging, and sport as a bridge between generations.

During the break, there was also a “walking football” demonstration organized by the Collectivité européenne d’Alsace and the Alsace Football District.

Several best practice projects were presented, and among the speakers and moderators were high-level athletes and former athletes.

Representing Panathlon International, Debora Quercioli and Alexandros Brousiakis participated online.

Once again this year, Panathlon International took part in the CSIT Congress – International Workers and Amateurs in Sports Confederation, renewing the collaboration that has linked the two organisations for years in promoting the ethical and cultural values of sport.

The President of Panathlon International, Giorgio Chinellato, and Past President Pierre Zappelli were unable to attend the award ceremony as they were busy in Mexico, where the Pan American Congress of Panathlon International was taking place at the same time.

Claudio Muccioli, President of Panathlon Club San Marino, officially represented the Association and presented the Panathlon CSIT WSG 2025 Award, accompanied by Past President Leo Achilli.

The award, established in collaboration between CSIT and Panathlon International, is intended for those persons who, through their commitment and example, have contributed to spreading the sporting ideal, promoting fairness, respect and solidarity through sport.

For the 2025 edition, the award was presented to Elisabeth Speiser, President of the ICSBF – International Catch'n Serve Ball Sports Federation, a leading figure in the international sports scene. Under her leadership, the ICSBF has developed and promoted an innovative and inclusive discipline, Catch'n Serve Ball, which encourages the participation of athletes of all ages and abilities, focusing on fair play, socialising and cooperation among participants.

Through her tireless work, Elisabeth Speiser has fully embodied the principles shared by Panathlon International and CSIT: sport as a tool for education, friendship and social progress.

In previous years, the Panathlon CSIT WSG Award has been presented to prominent figures such as Prof. Kalevi Olin, Honorary President of CSIT, and Avi Sagi, both of whom were honoured at the closing ceremonies by representatives of Panathlon International, led at the time by Past President Pierre Zappelli.

With this new edition, Panathlon International renews its commitment alongside CSIT to support and celebrate those who, through sport, promote the universal values of humanity, integrity and inclusion.

On Sunday, 26 October, starting at 2 p.m., Panathlon International will be present at RelazionExpo to talk about how sport can be a real tool for growth, inclusion and social responsibility.

The meeting will be an opportunity to share ideas, experiences and concrete projects through the voices of our journalist members and experts, as well as partners involved in the fields of sport, culture and sustainability.

It will be a moment of dialogue and discussion to reflect on the values that make sport a true school of life: capable of uniting people and communities, inspiring respect, passion and commitment to the common good.

FREE ENTRY

Registration required at: https://www.relazionexpo.com/ 

RelazionExpo2015_Depliant_PI

The 10th anniversary of the European Week of Sport (EWOS) was launched in style on 23–24 September 2025 in Copenhagen, gathering leaders, athletes, NGOs, and grassroots organizations under the banner of #BeActive.

A symbolic opening

The celebrations began at GAME Streetmekka Copenhagen, a venue renowned for its focus on youth and urban sports. Denmark’s King Frederik X, European Commissioner Glenn Micallef, and Minister for Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt jointly opened the Week. They were joined by hundreds of participants, marking ten years of EWOS with sport workshops including a “10 shots” basketball challenge and a vibrant energizer led by GAME volunteers.

Commissioner Micallef underlined the journey of EWOS from its launch in 2015 to today’s reach of over 100 million people in 42 countries, urging Europeans to “scroll less and move more.” The opening also welcomed new EWOS partners, including the European Fair Play Movement, highlighting the growing relevance of ethics and integrity — themes at the core of Panathlon International.

From movement to wellbeing

The following day the European Week of Sport’s 10th-anniversary celebrations continued with a high-level conference at the Royal Danish Playhouse. The focus: how sport and physical activity can address some of Europe’s most pressing societal challenges.

Following words of welcome by Denmark’s Minister for Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt and Georg Haeusler, Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport at the European Commission, the conference explored the theme of physical literacy as a social innovation tool. Speakers stressed the importance of equipping citizens — especially youth — with lifelong movement skills, to combat sedentary behavior and support healthier lifestyles.

Tom Englén (Change the Game) framed physical literacy as a lifelong skill for active citizenship, while the Danish Gymnastics sports organization experts presented practical approaches in schools and communities. Professor Stuart Biddle addressed the risks of sedentary lifestyles and screen use, stressing the urgency of systemic action. Digital innovation was showcased by Jakub Kalinowski (V4Sport) through the Active Sister Schools initiative.

The afternoon panel spotlighted projects tackling mental wellbeing through sport:

Mind Body Boost (Trinity College Dublin), Icehearts Europe and The Starting Bloc (Danish NOC & Sports Confederation), each demonstrated sport’s transformative role for respectively vulnerable groups, social inclusion and resilience.

Panathlon’s perspective

For Panathlon International, the anniversary and conference reaffirmed the growing need to link ethics, safeguarding, health and wellbeing within EU policies. The alignment with EWOS 2025 themes — inclusion, digital health, and mental resilience — provides an opportunity to reinforce Panathlon’s advocacy for fair play, integrity, and safe sport environments.

As Europe marks ten years of #BeActive, the message from Copenhagen was clear: sport is more than physical activity — it is a civic responsibility, a driver of solidarity and a pathway to healthier, more inclusive societies.

Sander Renson,

Secretary of the Panathlon Club of Vlaanderen (B)

25 September 2025 – An evening full of meaning and strong emotions accompanied the convivial meeting of the Panathlon Club of Venice, during which the Panathlon Club Venice Jr. was officially presented, whose constitution was officially approved by Panathlon International on 4 September.

A particularly touching moment was dedicated to the young members of the new Junior Club, led with enthusiasm, passion and competence by President Veronica Berti. They received congratulations and encouragement from the DI Junior Club Delegate, Rita Custodi, who emphasised the educational, inclusive and innovative value of the project.

Alongside Veronica Berti were Caterina Almansi, Marta Bertoldini, Filippo Carraro, Fabio Cerchiai, Nicolò Darai, Jacopo Pajer, Lorenza Perini and Diego Secchieri. Dario Manente and Angelica Marengo were absent with justification.

The new young Panathletes were welcomed not only by the President and all the members of the Venice Club, but also by Rita Custodi, National Board Member of the Italian Panathlon District with responsibility for Junior Clubs, and Giuseppe Falco, Governor of Panathlon Area 1 - Veneto, Trentino A.A. - Südtirol. The International President, Giorgio Chinellato, was absent due to institutional commitments in Brussels, but was ideally close to the initiative.

Webinar invitation: Referees, guardians of values in sport

Too often, the role of referees is reduced to simply managing a match. Yet ensuring that the rules are followed is an essential part of the success of any sporting event.

Today, the growing pressure on referees threatens not only their safety, but also the very future of sport. Despite their indispensable role, referees are absent from the decision-making bodies and sports policies that regulate competitions.

This webinar will be an opportunity to reflect on:

The growing pressure on referees and the associated risks

The need for direct involvement of referees in decision-making processes

The importance of an educational perspective for new generations of athletes

The CREC (Culture, Research and Education Commission) of Panathlon International has organised its 3rd webinar on this topic.

The President of the CREC (Culture, Research and Education Commission), Antonio Bramante, will welcome the speakers:

Gwenda Stevens, President of the International Federation of Referees in Sport

Paul Wylleman, Professor of Sports Psychology at the VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

At the end of the debate, Paul Standaert, President of the District Belgium of Panathlon International, will offer further reflections on the importance of promoting respect for referees as part of PI's ethical vision.

Date: 9 October 2025

Time: 17:00 CET

Platform: Zoom

Join the webinar: http://bit.ly/webinarseries-pi 

A crucial issue, which affects the credibility and sustainability of sport, will be at the centre of our discussion.

We look forward to seeing you there!