Zug will host the National Summer Games2026

Zurich-Zug, March 10, 2022 – The National Summer Games are always an important milestone in the sporting calendar for Special Olympics athletes: they can compete against others, experience appreciation and respect, experience unforgettable moments of success, and are surprised by a diverse supporting program. Around 2,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from all regions of Switzerland participate in this sporting event. The National Summer Games offer competitions in 16 sports over four days.

However, the National Games are much more than sports – they are an ideal platform for implementing the Special Olympics vision of using the power of sport to create an inclusive world in which people with disabilities can lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives.

A Compelling Candidacy

Representatives of the current Organizing Committee expressed interest in hosting the 2026 National Games at the end of 2019 and confirmed this at the end of 2021 with a broadly supported letter of intent submitted to the Special Olympics Board of Trustees. On March 8, 2022, a well-developed concept was presented to the Special Olympics Switzerland Evaluation Committee, which clearly demonstrated that the organizers could meet the challenge organizationally, logistically, and communicatively. The financing concept is well-thought-out and realistic, and the motivation is clearly palpable. Furthermore, many members of the future Organizing Committee have many years of experience in planning and implementing major events. The Games were awarded subject to the event's financial security being secured by the end of this year.

When selecting a host location, Special Olympics considers other aspects besides the ability to organize a major event: On the one hand, the Games provide a platform to bring Special Olympics and its vision to a wider audience. On the other hand, the exposure of such an event can promote the social inclusion of people with disabilities in a region and establish sustainable sports and exercise programs for children, young people, and adults. Zug is also the ideal partner for this topic, as the project already enjoys strong political support, as Martin Pfister, Zug Councilor, confirms: "I am convinced that by organizing the Special Olympics National Summer Games, the Canton of Zug can and will make a valuable contribution to raising awareness of the important topic of inclusion."

Zug is the perfect sports city to host these Games

Zug is ideally suited to host the 2026 National Summer Games and has a well-functioning infrastructure with facilities such as the Cantonal School, the sports hall, the Waldmannhalle, Herti, and other sports venues. Initial concepts have also been developed for the events in the supporting program, such as the opening ceremony, which will take place in the heart of the city.

The President of the Local Organizing Committee, Andreas Hotz, is proud of the Games' award: "The Zug Core Organizing Committee is extremely pleased to have been awarded the Games: "The Zug Core Organizing Committee is extremely pleased to have been awarded the 2026 National Summer Games. The next few months will be used with great enthusiasm to secure core funding and expand the organization."

Special Olympics is delighted to be able to host this event with a reliable partner. Managing Director Bruno Barth confirms: "An event of this magnitude requires a partner who is up to the challenge both organizationally and financially. We are convinced that together with Zug, we can create an unforgettable event for the athletes, coaches, families, and the audience."

This marks the second time Zug has hosted the Games, following the first 20 years ago.