The AlpeAdriaSport Network was officially presented in Klagenfurt, bringing together representatives of Panathlon International from Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.
The initiative, now formally adopted as an official programme, aims to strengthen cooperation across the wider Alps–Adriatic region through shared projects, inclusive sport and coordinated action inspired by panathletic values.
The event took place during the 3° International Sitting Volleyball Tournament, a symbolic setting that reflects the spirit of inclusion and cross‑border friendship at the heart of the new network.
We report hereafter the message of President Chinellato and of the President of the Austria District, Michael Ausserwinkler, and below we provide a summary of the collective support expressed in the speeches and messages received.
Giorgio Chinellato, International President of Panathlon International
Dear friends, I am particularly delighted to be with you here in Klagenfurt for this International Sitting Volleyball Tournament, which represents not only a significant sporting event but also the first concrete step in the Alpe Adria Sport project.
Having listened to the speeches by International Board Member Paolo Perin and the representatives from Croatia, Slovenia and Austria, as well as the Governors of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto Trentino Alto Adige-Sud Tirol and Emilia‑Romagna–Marche, who have wholeheartedly supported and guided this initiative, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to them all.
Special thanks go to our Austrian friends for hosting this event.
This initiative demonstrates how collaboration, synergy and the willingness to work together can give rise to a new and innovative network linking clubs, regions and different countries, under the auspices of Panathlon International.
I am therefore delighted to welcome this new initiative, which fits perfectly within the vision of our Movement: to promote integration, dialogue, shared projects and joint actions, in line with the values of the Olympic family.
The first activity was held today: the International Sitting Volleyball Tournament, but many other initiatives are in the pipeline.
Among these, I would like to highlight the project linked to Caregiving, which has the potential to become a travelling initiative across Europe, bringing the values of Paralympic sport, inclusion and support for people with disabilities to different regions.
Alpe Adria Sport has therefore got off to a very promising start.
On behalf of myself and the whole of Panathlon International, I would like to thank those who had this brilliant idea and those who worked to make it a reality.
Special thanks go to Paolo Perin, who believed in this project from the very beginning and has pursued it with passion and determination.
Let us therefore continue along this path, together, in the Panathletic spirit, to develop new joint projects and, through sport, strengthen the bonds of friendship, inclusion and collaboration between our countries.
Thank you to everyone, and ad majora! Giorgio Chinellato International President”
Michael Ausserwinkler, President District Austria
More than 30 years ago, a sports project in this Central European region overcame borders with great emotion.
It was the joint bid for the Olympic Winter Games, which entered sports history under the name Senza Confini.
Today, these regions are part of the European Union and therefore able to cooperate at a higher level.
Sport can connect the values of the European idea with positive emotions.
Within AlpeAdriaSport, projects can be created that bring people closer together and help build a shared future.”
Paolo Perin – President of IEC Panathlon International
Perin presented the AlpeAdriaSport Network as a concrete expression of Panathlon’s vitality and its ability to unite communities under the principle Ludis iungit.
He explained that the network is not a new international organisation but a stable coordination platform for joint initiatives, with particular attention to inclusive sport, youth activities and projects for people with disabilities.
He highlighted the Sitting Volleyball Tournament and the Caregiving Sport project as examples of this commitment and noted that several Areas and national districts have already signed the cooperation document.
Andrea Ceccotti – Governor Area 12 Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy)
Ceccotti recalled the historical roots of the Alpe Adria Working Community and emphasised Area 12’s long‑standing involvement in cross‑border cooperation.
He described the multilingual website and newsletter created by the Area as an effective tool for disseminating sports information.
He also highlighted the “Symbol for Peace” initiative presented in Go2025 and noted that the Sitting Volleyball Tournament in Klagenfurt is the ideal occasion to formalise the new Cooperation Network.
Miran Müllner – President Panathlon Club Primorska (Slovenia)
Müllner stressed that the signing of the Declaration represents an important step toward connecting people and communities across the Alps–Adriatic region.
He underlined the symbolic value of signing the document during an inclusive sporting event and expressed the hope that the network will generate concrete projects benefiting youth, athletes with disabilities and local communities.
Milan Čupić – President Panathlon Club Croatia
Čupić presented the activities of the newly established Panathlon Club Pula, including participation in the revival of the Alpe Adria initiative and support for future Sitting Volleyball events in Croatia.
He listed several planned activities for athletes with special needs, including collaborations with ICSBF, the Croatian Basketball Federation and BAWS, and proposed the creation of an Alpe Adria BAWS Festival.
Giuseppe Falco – Governor Area 01 Veneto–Trentino Alto Adige/Südtirol (Italy)
Falco confirmed the participation of 21 Clubs and 752 members in the AlpeAdriaSport project.
He emphasised the Area’s commitment to inclusive sport and its readiness to support all initiatives linked to the new network, building on long‑standing projects such as Route du Panathlon and Panathlon Ski.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The presentation concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen cooperation among Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.
The AlpeAdriaSport Network aims to build a lasting alliance capable of supporting events, promoting ethical sport and fostering unity among communities historically divided by borders but now connected by shared values.
In the next days we will publish the original documents