The President of Panathlon International, Giorgio Chinellato, spoke at the conclusion of the promoters’ contributions during the official presentation of the AlpeAdriaSport Network, the programme approved by the International Council and presented today in Klagenfurt.
The meeting was opened by the President of District Austria, Michael Ausserwinkler, and by the President of Panathlon Club Kärnten – Alpe Adria, Roland Peters, who introduced the general framework of the project and welcomed the representatives of the countries involved.
The promoters of the initiative then took the floor – Paolo Perin, Andrea Ceccotti, Milan Cupic, Giuseppe Falco, Miran Müllner and Stefano Ripanti – present either in person or through official messages. In their contributions they illustrated, motivated and supported the programme, highlighting the cooperation between Austria, Croatia, Italy and Slovenia for the growth and dissemination of Panathlon values through joint initiatives.
After the promoters’ interventions, Giorgio Chinellato delivered his concluding remarks, underlining the strategic value of the AlpeAdriaSport Network and the importance of cross‑border cooperation in strengthening the mission of Panathlon. Below is the text of his speech.
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 Alto Friuli 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!
The presentation took place at the end of two intense days of activities, during which congratulations were extended to the President of District Austria, Michael Ausserwinkler, for the exceptional organisation of the tournament.
He received acknowledgements from Andrea Ceccotti, Governor of Area 12, for the quality of the organisation, and from the President of the Expansion Commission of Panathlon International, Paolo Perin, as appreciation for the contribution he is giving to the spread of the Panathletic movement.