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...
The « Count Jacques Rogge » Prize is an international initiative designed to honour the enduring legacy of Jacques Rogge, former President of the International Olympic Committee (2001–2013), and to translate his values into concrete, high-impact action.
The Award recognises and supports innovative projects that place youth, inclusion and diversity at the heart of sport and education. It offers sponsors a unique opportunity to associate their organisation with one of the most respected figures in the Olympic Movement and with a project that delivers measurable social impact.
Led by Panathlon Belgium, the Award is conceived as a structured, sustainable and recurring initiative with international reach.
Jacques Rogge embodied integrity, ethical leadership and the belief that sport is a powerful driver of education, social cohesion and peace. His legacy includes landmark initiatives such as the European Youth Olympic Festival and the Youth Olympic Games, both designed to place young people and values at the centre of sport.
The Rogge family has formally agreed to associate his name with this Award, guaranteeing authenticity, legitimacy and continuity with his life’s work.
For sponsors, this means engagement in a project that is:
aligned with long-term societal priorities.
“Sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility to practise sport, without discrimination of any kind.”
The « Count Jacques Rogge » Prize aims to become a reference label for ethical, inclusive and youth-focused initiatives in sport.
For partners and sponsors, the Award offers:
International Olympic Committee 2012. All rights reserved.
The Award will distinguish projects that:
Sponsors are thus directly associated with initiatives that create lasting value and tangible outcomes.
The Award is overseen by a high-level Jury, ensuring transparency and credibility:
This governance structure guarantees independence, integrity and alignment with Olympic values
International Olympic Committee 2012. All rights reserved.
“Sport is a powerful tool for education,
peace and development.”
The « Count Jacques Rogge » Prize is more than an award: it is a platform for responsible engagement, social impact and ethical leadership through sport.
Panathlon Belgium invites companies, foundations and patrons to become partners in this ambitious international initiative—one that combines legitimacy, visibility and long-term value, while bringing Jacques Rogge’s vision to life for future generations.
Panathlon International Belgium
Contact
Address
Ilse Vanhoorelbeke
Moerkerkse Steenweg 235
8310 Sint-Kruis Brugge
With support from:
