Panathlon International

On 17 September, Simona Callo, Secretary General of Panathlon International, Fabio Figueiras, Erasmus+ Project Coordinator for Panathlon International, Monica Rossi and Debora Quercioli took part in an online meeting within the Erasmus+ Programme, together with around 50 participants from different European countries.

The meeting, featuring training sessions delivered by ENACEA speakers, focused on learning and Erasmus+ project management, with particular attention to the main procedures, operational and administrative aspects, and the different stages involved in implementing and monitoring European projects.

A valuable opportunity for training, exchange and sharing experiences and good practices, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of Erasmus+ procedures and new tools for the effective management of European projects

On Saturday, September 19, in the prestigious setting of the Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista in Venice, the “Flambeau d’Or – in memory of Antonio Spallino”, the highest honour bestowed by Panathlon International, will be presented.

The ceremony is part of the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of both Panathlon Club Venezia and Panathlon International, and will feature two outstanding figures of international sport:

Francesca Porcellato, an icon of Italian Paralympic sport, who has reached the highest levels of international competition in three disciplines — athletics, cross-country skiing and handcycling — throughout an extraordinary career;

Bashir Abdi, the Belgian long-distance runner of Somali origin and a leading figure in the world of marathon running, an example of sporting excellence, fair play and social commitment.

Two different stories, united by the values that the Flambeau d’Or seeks to celebrate: talent, perseverance, respect, and the ability to turn sport into an example for others.

The ceremony will be streamed live from 10:00 a.m.:

Link https://youtube.com/live/vkCdmb8u4VQ?feature=share

 A discussion in Brussels on young people’s mental health and social isolation. President Giorgio Chinellato: “Sporting culture can offer practical tools to tackle an increasingly widespread phenomenon.”

BRUSSELS, 9 September 2026 – Bringing the educational and social value of sport into the European debate on the ‘Hikikomori’ phenomenon and the isolation of the younger generations. With this aim in mind, Panathlon International took part in the round-table discussion at the European Parliament in Brussels entitled “Hikikomori: European perspectives on measures to prevent the phenomenon and Italian best practices”, organised and hosted by MEP Mariateresa Vivaldini.

Panathlon International was represented by International President Giorgio Chinellato and International Board Member Fabiano Gino Maria Gerevini, who heads the international working group on Hikikomori syndrome.

Also taking part in the discussion were Giovanni Lodetti, a lecturer at the University of Milan, a clinical sports psychologist and President of the International Association of Sports Psychology and Psychoanalysis; Federica Perolini, a psychologist and sports psychologist; Emanuela Schiavini, CRA nursing coordinator at the Department of Mental Health of the ASST in Crema; and Stefania Lando, an educationalist and university lecturer. The meeting also featured a testimony from a father via video link, providing a direct perspective from the families affected.

At the heart of the round-table discussion was the need to develop preventative measures and programmes capable of combating social isolation, with a particular focus on young people. In this context, Panathlon International reaffirmed the role that sport can play as a tool for education, social connection and inclusion, fostering participation, a sense of belonging and self-confidence.

‘What we are discussing today is an increasingly widespread condition, particularly in the wake of Covid. We are convinced that by promoting a sporting culture, we can acquire the right tools to tackle this phenomenon,” said President Giorgio Chinellato.

MEP Mariateresa Vivaldini also emphasised the importance of addressing the issue of young people’s mental health not only in terms of treatment, but also through prevention and the promotion of active citizenship, highlighting the contribution that organisations such as Panathlon International can make through the values of sport.

Participation in the Brussels meeting represents a further step in Panathlon International’s commitment to bringing sporting culture into the European institutional debate, promoting a conception of sport that goes beyond competitive practice and becomes a tool for personal and community development.

photogallery

VENICE, 15 September – An event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Panathlon Club Venezia and Panathlon International was presented at Venice City Hall. This anniversary holds great symbolic significance for the Panathlon movement, which has its roots right here in the Lagoon.

Panathlon International and the Panathlon Club Venezia were welcomed by the city council in the presence of the mayor, Simone Venturini, at the press conference to present the Flambeau d’Or and the celebrations marking Panathlon’s 75th anniversary.

During the meeting, heartfelt thanks were extended to the city council and the mayor for their hospitality and support for the initiatives linked to this important anniversary.

The highlight of the celebrations is scheduled for Saturday 19 September at the Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista, where the official ceremony marking the 75th anniversary will take place, along with the presentation of the “Flambeau d’Or – in memory of Antonio Spallino”, an award which this year will be presented to two leading figures in international sport: Francesca Porcellato and Bashir Abdi, Olympic silver medallist in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Games.

The ceremony will thus represent not only a moment of celebration for Panathlon, but also an opportunity to pay tribute to two athletes who have left their mark on the history of international sport.

We look forward to welcoming you to Venice to experience this special moment together: for those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the ceremony will also be available

live stream

Brochure_Events_Venice2026

Cover photo: from left: Giuseppe Zambon, Councillor for the Italy District; Giorgio Chinellato, International President of PI; Simone Venturini, Mayor of the City of Venice; Gian Antonio Simoni Gaudenzi, President of Panathlon Club Venice; Diego Vecchiato, Past President of Panathlon Club Venice

On Tuesday 8 September 2026, the President’s Committee of Panathlon International, chaired by International President Giorgio Chinellato, met via video conference.

During the meeting, numerous issues of significance to the Movement’s activities were discussed, with particular focus on international, project-based and cultural initiatives. Among the topics covered were the issue of hikikomori – particularly in view of the meeting scheduled for the following day at the European institutions – participation in the forthcoming EPAS meeting in November in Munich, the meeting planned for October with the IOC, and Panathlon International’s presence at the SportAccord Forum.

After examining the document presented, the Committee confirmed that it would proceed with the Alpe Adria Sport project and with the drafting of a collaboration agreement with the Catch’s Serve Ball Federation. Interest was also confirmed in continuing with the organisation of a photo contest in collaboration with the PI-D. Chiesa Foundation. There was also a brief discussion on regulatory updates and the possible adoption of a Panathlon International Anthem, which will subsequently be subject to deliberation by the International Board.

Particular emphasis was placed on the International President’s report on participation in the Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo and on the protocol signed with Centro Caribe Sports, an important opportunity for institutional representation and contact with numerous representatives from the international sporting world, including members of the IOC.

The second part of the meeting was devoted to cultural activities and upcoming events, including the online catalogue, the 75th anniversary of the PC Venezia and of Panathlon International, the presentation of the Flambeau d’Or Award, participation in RelazionExpo 2026 and the Sitting Volleyball Tournament scheduled to take place in Klagenfurt.

PRESS RELEASE

Seventy-five years after its foundation, Panathlon returns, in spirit, to its roots to celebrate, right here in Venice, one of the most significant anniversaries in its history.

It was in fact in Venice, in 1951, that the first Panathlon Club was founded, giving rise to a Movement destined to spread throughout Italy and the world and to promote, through sport, the principles of ethics, fair play, inclusion, respect for the individual and social responsibility.

On Saturday 19 September, in the prestigious setting of the Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista, the Panathlon Club Venezia – the Movement’s founding club – will celebrate the 75th anniversary of its foundation and of Panathlon International with a day that will bring together representatives from the Panathlon world, dignitaries, leading figures from the worlds of sport and culture, and guests from Italy and abroad.

 The highlight of the celebrations will be the presentation of the “Flambeau d’Or – in memory of Antonio Spallino”, Panathlon International’s highest honour, to two leading figures in world sport: Francesca Porcellato and Bashir Abdi.

 The day will begin at 10.00 am with a conference dedicated to the role of sport in contemporary society.

The keynote speakers will be Professor Andrea Rinaldo, winner of the 2023 Stockholm Water Prize, an internationally renowned scientist and, in his youth, a top-level rugby player who even represented the national team, and Professor Mattia Losi, recipient of the ‘Maestro del Lavoro’ award, former columnist for Il Sole 24 Ore and lecturer at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. Their Lectio Magistralis will address the themes of ethics, sporting culture and social responsibility.

 The talks will be chaired by Roberto Papetti, Editorial Director of Il Gazzettino.

This will be followed by the Flambeau d’Or ceremony, an award given to individuals who, through their personal and sporting journeys, have made an exemplary contribution to promoting the values of sport, going beyond mere competitive results.

 Francesca Porcellato, a true icon of Italian Paralympic sport, has excelled in three disciplines – athletics, Nordic skiing and cycling – building an extraordinary career at the highest international level. She has competed in twelve editions of the Paralympic Games, right up to Paris 2024, securing numerous successes and medals over the years and becoming one of the most iconic figures in Italian Paralympic sport.

 Bashir Abdi, a Belgian long-distance runner of Somali origin, is one of the leading figures on the international marathon circuit. His honours include the Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020, the silver at Paris 2024 and the World Championships bronze at Eugene 2022.

Alongside his competitive career, he is deeply committed to social causes through Sportaround, the charity he founded to promote the inclusion and development of young people through sport.

 Two profoundly different stories, united by their ability to demonstrate how sport can become a tool for growth, inclusion, determination and responsibility towards others: values that underpin Panathlon International’s decision to award them the Flambeau d’Or.

The award ceremony will be hosted by Luca Ginetto, Editor-in-Chief of TGR Umbria, President of the Panathlon Club Perugia and former President of the Panathlon Club Venezia.

The 75th anniversary will therefore not only be an opportunity to look back on a history that began in Venice in 1951, but also to look to the future of the Movement, renewing its commitment to the younger generations and reaffirming a vision of sport capable of combining excellence, education, inclusion and respect for the individual.

Venice, the city where it all began, once again becomes the symbolic setting in which Panathlon celebrates its history and renews the values that have inspired its work for seventy-five years.

The founding Club celebrates its 75th anniversary. The prestigious Panathlon International award honours two champions who embody sport, inclusion and values

VENICE – The event scheduled for Saturday 19 September in Venice is set to be one of the most prestigious celebrations in the history of the Panathlon movement.

To mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of Panathlon Club Venezia, the movement’s founding club, Panathlon International will present the “Flambeau d’Or – in memory of Antonio Spallino” to two leading figures in world sport: Francesca Porcellato and Bashir Abdi.

Francesca Porcellato is one of the longest-serving and most successful figures in Italian Paralympic sport. She has competed in athletics, Nordic skiing and cycling, amassing a total of twelve appearances at the Paralympic Games – a milestone she reached at Paris 2024.

Bashir Abdi, a Belgian long-distance runner of Somali origin, has made his mark on the international marathon scene: Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020, silver at Paris 2024 and World Championships bronze at Eugene 2022. Alongside his competitive career, he has shown a strong commitment to social causes through Sportaround, an association he founded to promote the inclusion and development of young people through sport.

This recognition goes beyond medals and competitive results, recognising sport as a vehicle for ethics, fair play, inclusion and social responsibility. This is the significance of the Flambeau d’Or, one of Panathlon International’s most prestigious awards, bestowed upon individuals who have made an exemplary contribution to the promotion of sporting culture and values.

The ceremony will take place at the prestigious Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, in the heart of Venice. 

On Saturday 19 September, from 10.00 am, the Salone Capitolare of the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista will host a conference dedicated to the role of sport in contemporary society.

Professor Andrea Rinaldo, winner of the 2023 Stockholm Water Prize, and Professor Mattia Losi, former columnist for *Il Sole 24 Ore* and lecturer at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, will deliver two keynote lectures on the themes of ethics, sporting culture and civic responsibility.

Roberto Papetti, Editorial Director of *Il Gazzettino*, will chair the event. 

The Flambeau d’Or ceremony will be hosted by Luca Ginetto, Editor-in-Chief of TGR Umbria, President of the Panathlon Club Perugia and former President of the Panathlon Club Venezia.

From Europe to the United Nations and from there to the World 

The #YOULEAD – Leading the Game project reached the United Nations Headquarters in New York!

As part of the One World, One Game, One Goal initiative, YOULEAD was brought to the international stage during discussions focused on young people and the role of sport in addressing some of the challenges they face today.

Hear the message from Fábio Figueiras, representing Panathlon International, Coordinator of the YOULEAD project, directly from the United Nations Headquarters.

His message highlights YOULEAD’s commitment to empowering young people and creating meaningful opportunities for them to participate in leadership and decision-making within sport.

From Europe to New York, YOULEAD continues to carry its message beyond borders: young people should not only have a voice in sport – they should have a role in shaping its future.

Co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Sport Programme.

SPORTACCORD FORUM 2026

5–7 October

Olympic Museum, Lausanne

CALL FOR ENTRIES | European Fair Play / EFPM Awards 2025/2026 | Nominations Open Until 15 September 2026

The European Fair Play Movement (EFPM) has officially opened the call for nominations for the European Fair Play / European Fair Play Movement Awards 2025/2026.

These prestigious awards recognize outstanding examples of fair play, ethical conduct, and the promotion of sporting values in sport and society.

Nominations are welcome from individuals, organizations, institutions, and initiatives that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the principles of fair play.

Submission deadline: 15 September 2026

Applications: award@fairplayeur.eu 

Please note that only applications submitted using the official application form will be considered.

For detailed information and access to the official application form, please visit:

https://fairplayeur.eu/.../efp-efpm-awards/call-for-entries/