A delegation from Special Olympics Switzerland and the World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 visited from 30.1. to 2.2. the National Winter Games 2024 in Germany.
The focus of the visit was an exchange of experiences with Special Olympics Germany. The focus was on those sports that will be held at the 2029 World Winter Games and for which the Swiss organizations do not yet have the relevant implementation expertise. These are dancing, short track and figure skating. Climbing could also be offered as a demonstration sport in 2029. The sports experts from Special Olympics Switzerland, Aldo Doninelli, Jonathan Grept and Cristiana Fiacco, were given a good insight. They also had an intensive exchange with their German colleagues about the details of the event. Beat Ritschard, Secretary General of the World Winter Games Switzerland, commented: “We took the opportunity to experience first-hand what needs to be taken into account in these sports. It’s great how helpful Special Olympics Germany is.”
The group also visited those responsible for the Healthy Athletes program. This is also an important offer at the World Winter Games Switzerland. This program is not yet established in Switzerland. Fortunately, the neighbouring organizations in Germany and Austria already have several years of experience with it. Special Olympics Switzerland and the LOC (Local Organizing Committee) can benefit greatly from this.
It was also important to the delegation leaders that the participants get to know each other better. They need to work closely together over the next few years to ensure that the event is a success and a lasting experience for all participants.
Bruno Barth, Director of Special Olympics Switzerland, said: “We were able to fully achieve the goals we had set ourselves. On the one hand, we were able to gain important insights into the sports and the implementation of competitions. On the other hand, the group had time to exchange ideas and discuss the tasks ahead.”
A big thank you goes to our partner Toyotawho provided a minibus for the trip.