GHENT, 5 June 2026 – The historic City Hall of Ghent provided the setting for a landmark event in the international sporting community as the first-ever Count Jacques Rogge Prize was officially presented. Created by Panathlon Belgium, the award honours initiatives that promote education, inclusion, ethics, and youth development through sport while preserving the legacy of one of Belgium’s most respected sports leaders.
The ceremony formed the highlight of a remarkable week during which Ghent welcomed delegates from around the world for the 23rd International Congress of Panathlon International and celebrations marking the organization’s 75th anniversary. More than 180 guests representing sport, education, academia, and international institutions gathered to celebrate the values that Count Jacques Rogge championed throughout his distinguished career.
Speakers throughout the ceremony emphasized that the new prize is intended to become far more than a traditional award. Organizers envision it as an international quality label recognizing projects that use sport as a powerful instrument for education, social cohesion, and positive societal change. The concept reflects Rogge’s lifelong conviction that sport can create opportunities for young people and build bridges between communities and cultures.
Several prominent figures addressed the audience, including representatives from Belgian sport, academia, and civil society. They highlighted Rogge’s exceptional contribution as President of both the Belgian Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee, as well as his pioneering role in the creation of the Youth Olympic Games. His commitment to integrity, respect, inclusion, and social responsibility was repeatedly cited as a guiding inspiration for the prize.
Generations For Peace
In a strong symbolic gesture, the inaugural Count Jacques Rogge Prize was awarded to Generations For Peace, the internationally recognized organization founded under the leadership of Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan. The choice of laureate underlined the global ambition of the award and its focus on using sport as a tool for peacebuilding, dialogue, and youth empowerment.
Panathlon Belgium announced that cooperation with Generations For Peace will continue beyond the award ceremony. Together, both organizations aim to support programmes that train young people as future coaches and leaders capable of putting the values of the prize into practice within their own communities.
The presence of members of the Rogge family added a particularly meaningful dimension to the event. Their official endorsement of the initiative reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting the values that Jacques Rogge embodied throughout his life and career. Representatives of national and international sports governing bodies also stressed the growing importance of ethical leadership in a rapidly evolving sporting landscape.
The ceremony was attended by Prince Laurent and Princess Louise, representing King Philippe, highlighting the national significance of the initiative. The event also brought together representatives from Sport Vlaanderen, Belgian universities, secondary education institutions, and numerous sports federations, including football, gymnastics, and judo.
The celebration demonstrated a strong connection between sport and education. Technical support was provided by FluxLab vzw, a spin-off of Tectura Merelbeke, while students from part-time arts education in Ghent contributed artistic performances. Hostesses from Ghent University welcomed the many distinguished guests.
Observers described the atmosphere as one of dignity, solidarity, and international cooperation. Beyond the formal award presentation, the event created a platform for organizations and individuals committed to fostering safe, inclusive, and respectful sporting environments for young people.
Media coverage in Belgium and abroad praised the initiative as a refreshing affirmation of sport’s social mission at a time when commercial interests often dominate public debate. The Count Jacques Rogge Prize was widely recognized as a meaningful contribution to strengthening ethical values within sport.
The successful organization of the inaugural edition was made possible through the efforts of Panathlon Belgium and the support of numerous partners, including the National Lottery. Organizers acknowledged the contribution of volunteers, board members, and educational institutions whose involvement helped transform the vision into reality.
As the guests departed the historic halls of Ghent City Hall, there was a shared sense that this was more than the launch of a new award. It was the beginning of a movement dedicated to ensuring that the values championed by Count Jacques Rogge continue to inspire future generations. The first presentation of the Count Jacques Rogge Prize will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic milestone in the promotion of ethical, inclusive, and educational sport on both a national and international stage.
www.panathlon-international.org
www.generationsforpeace.org
News article on Het Laatste Nieuws (Dutch)
News article on Jordandaily (English)
www.olympics.com