For the second time, the World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 Symposium was held in Chur in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden.
Four exciting workshops
Over 60 participants discussed topics relating to inclusion in four well-attended workshops. Many thanks go to the workshop leaders, Fabienne Dirksen (inclusion in elite sport using the example of the World Cycling Championships), Martina Gäumann and Ronny Heinz (inclusion in popular sport), Nadja Fleischli and Markus Boeni (accessibility and inclusion in tourism) and Mark Wirz (volunteers with disabilities). We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the FHGR students who prepared and organized the symposium, as well as Pro Infirmis for their financial support.
Keynote Islam Alijaj
Following the workshops, around 100 people were welcomed to the auditorium by Mayor Hans Martin Meuli. After a brief overview of the status of the organization of the World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 by board member Silja Horber and Secretary General Beat Ritschard, National Councillor Islam Alijaj gave a moving speech on the status of the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Switzerland.
Networking
In the intensive discussion led by Nik Hartmann, Islam Alijaj, Stefan Leutwyler (FOSPO) and Silja Horber impressively demonstrated what still needs to be done. With these impressions, discussions continued at the subsequent networking aperitif.
Note: The 3rd Symposium of the World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 will take place on March 3, 2026 again at the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden.