Special Olympics World Winter Games 2029 Switzerland

Switzerland welcomes the global Special Olympics movement

The World Winter Games for people with disabilities will take place in Switzerland in 2029. From March 10 to 17, 2029, 3,200 delegation members (2,500 athletes and 700 coaches) from more than 100 countries will get to know all regions of Switzerland and compete in nine sports. In this way, they will promote equal coexistence for all people in our society.

The World Winter Games are much more than just sport. Special Olympics Switzerland is working closely with Swiss sports federations and sports clubs to jointly implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Games offer a profound experience for an inclusive Switzerland in which everyone has equal access to sport, education, health and all aspects of life.

The World Winter Games last a total of twelve days. The athletes and coaches will be accompanied by many family members, fans, volunteers and media from all over the world. Around 12,000 people will be out and about every day as part of the events.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games are the second-largest winter sports event after the Winter Olympics. Before the opening ceremony at Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich on 10 March 2029, the athletes and coaches will be guests throughout Switzerland with the “Host Town Program”. This will actively involve all regions. We are sending a strong signal of inclusive togetherness, which will live on throughout the country even after the closing ceremony on March 17, 2029.

The sporting competitions are held in the canton of Graubünden: Figure skating, short track, floorball, in Chur; alpine skiing and snowboarding in Arosa; cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dance in Lenzerheide. The ninth sport and the two planned test sports have not yet been finalized.

Read more about the World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 in Sponsoring extra’s in-depth interview with General Secretary Beat Ritschard.

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“I am convinced that hosting the 2029 World Winter Games in Switzerland will make a lasting contribution to an inclusive society.”

Federal Councillor Viola Amherd

Head of the Federal Department of Defense and Sport Department of Defense and Sport

The whole of Switzerland joins in!

As with all Special Olympics World Games, the “Host Town Program” will take place over four days before the opening ceremony. The more than 100 delegations from various nations – spread across all cantons – will prepare for their mission and get to know Switzerland. The Host Town Program is designed to help the delegations make contact with the local population, especially schoolchildren, build personal relationships and experience inclusion in Swiss society. It takes place in locations that are important for Swiss tourism.