Season’s greetings
Season’s greetings from Panathlon International
Season’s greetings from Panathlon International
Dear friends,
The foundation and growth of the Committee of Panathlon Club of Universities (PCU) can’t be seen separately from the evolution of sport at the University of Antwerp. The “new” University of Antwerp was established in 2003 as the result of a merger of 3 former institutes of higher education in Antwerp.
The beginning of this new university was an ideal opportunity to start a new organization of the sport activities. Sport has always be seen as an valuable instrument to develop international interaction and experience with emphasis on fair play and university friendship.
Ten years ago in 2011, it was an wonderful opportunity to include these activities in Panathlon. As an international organization dedicated within the Olympic Movement to ethics in sport, Panathlon was the excellent environment to develop the international sport competitions of the UAntwerpen. PCU was born!
Thanks to Panathlon the international embedding of the PCU-activities is secured for the future. We are delighted with this collaboration.
I wish PCU all the best for the next decade! Congratulations!
Prof. Francis Baron Van Loon
Honorary Rector of the University of Antwerp
Dear Friends
it is with great pleasure that I join all of you to bring my greetings and those of Panathlon International on this occasion.
Ten years have passed since Panathlon International, with a resolution of the International Board, has authorized the establishment of the Committee of Panathlon Clubs of Universities (PCU). A choice to support and disseminate the principles of our Association through sport and art within the large international student community.
Many initiatives have been carried out in these years to promote our values: from the International University Games, to Trophies, to Graphic and Photographic Competitions. A very lively, active, and dynamic activity that has also led to an excellent synergy between Panathlon International and the University of Antwerp.
The University has also hosted several Assemblies and Congresses of Panathlon International, a path full of initiatives and commitment to convey the values in which we believe, education, fair play, moral training in sports and civil life.
Even in this juncture, during which the Pandemic has dictated its rules, you have shown to be determined and close to young people, maintaining the activity and communication and at the same time promoting remote actions.
Now we must look to the future. Each of us, regardless of organizational roles, must contribute to the growth of our Association, transforming into concrete actions our purposes and trying to become protagonists on the territory of the values that inspire us. After this period we need it even more! Times change and require more and more commitment, dedication, and passion, but these are characteristics that we sportsmen know well and that do not discourage us.
Long live Panathlon International and the Clubs of Universities!
With the cordial appreciation and affectionate wish of the entire International Board, I wish you a happy anniversary!
Rapallo, 21 September 2021
Pierre Zappelli
President
Panathlon International