[Chur, Switzerland – 24 March 2026] The road to the Special Olympics World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 (2029 Games) has reached a key milestone this week with the official agreement signing in Chur, Switzerland. From 10 – 17 March 2029, Switzerland will host the 2029 Games, sending a strong message of equality and active inclusion. What is gaining momentum today will culminate in 2029 in an international event with a lasting impact on sport and society.
The ceremony drew strong international attention and government support, with senior leaders from Special Olympics in attendance to mark the occasion. Among those present were Chairman of the Board, Dr. Timothy Shriver; Chief of Sport & Competition, Lou Lauria; Chief of Leadership & Organizational Development, Emily Klinger; and Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, Susan Wang.
The signing of the 2029 Games Agreement marked the launch of a key market research study across Switzerland. The study will establish critical baseline data to measure progress in the years leading up to the 2029 Games, helping guide the implementation of inclusive practices, impact accuracy, support informed planning and decision-making, strengthen accountability and transparency, and supportive legacy plans.
The study was commissioned by the 2029 Games Bid Committee to explore how people with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) could be brought closer together in sports, housing, and employment. For this purpose, existing studies, statistical data, and legal frameworks were compiled and supplemented by interviews with people with and without disabilities. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) served as a guideline.
"Switzerland 2029 is an invitation to the whole of Switzerland to become part of a unique movement. These Games stand for joy, connection, and the courage to visibly live inclusion."
A Visit that Moves People
To elevate this historic milestone on the road to the 2029 Games, Special Olympics Switzerland and the LOC convened a series of high-level engagements in Bern, Chur, and Zurich. The events showcased the growing momentum, enthusiasm, and national pride building across the nation as Switzerland prepares to welcome the world and serve as the global capital of inclusion in 2029.
Throughout the visit, Dr. Shriver engaged with leaders at the Federal Council level, participated in diverse exchanges around inclusion with Special Olympics athletes, and addressed audiences at a Swiss university. His message remained consistently clear: the 2029 Games are far more than just a sporting event; they represent a powerful symbol of change and tool for inclusion.
Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Susan Wang, representing Special Olympics athletes worldwide, led a discussion with Switzerland leadership, bringing the voices of athletes to the forefront of conversation. She shared her powerful personal journey which now sees her as a role model for athletes around the world, but also a testament to the impact inclusive sport can have. Ms. Wang and her fellow athletes continue to be a beacon of strength and unity for the movement: an organization led by, and for, athletes.
“Switzerland hosting the World Winter Games is a huge opportunity for athletes from around the world to come together and compete in one of the most beautiful places. I’m so excited for everyone to experience the inclusion and power of sport through Special Olympics at a World Winter Games.”
In Bern, the Special Olympics delegation met with members of the Federal Council, Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and Federal Councilor Martin Pfister, discussing the further implementation of inclusive practices across different regions of Switzerland, as well as within government and education systems.
"The inclusion of people with disabilities is very important to the Federal Council. The Special Olympics World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 offers athletes with intellectual disabilities an international platform to showcase their achievements. At the same time, they highlight the core values of inclusion—equal opportunities, respect, and dignity."
In Chur, Dr. Shriver and Ms. Lang joined Special Olympics Switzerland athletes and supporters skating at a local ice rink. The event symbolized where the Special Olympics movement originated: on the field of play. The event took on the inspiration of a Unified Sports® experience where people with and without ID train and compete together.
The dialogue around inclusion continued the following day with Dr. Shriver speaking at the University of Zurich, in collaboration with the Europa Institute, about human dignity, responsibility, and the power of sport to overcome barriers. The tenor of all the stops: the 2029 Games are not just about competition. They are about changing mindsets.
“With these Games, Switzerland is showing that inclusion is not an abstract idea, but is a living reality. When we put people with ID at the center of our communities and our lives, we strengthen the cohesion of our entire society.”
Switzerland is Ready
The market research study in Switzerland establishing a critical baseline of data to evaluate progress in the lead up to the 2029 Games will measure awareness, perception, and social acceptance of Special Olympics and broader understanding of inclusion and inclusive practices. The study reveals that inclusion is already widely recognized as a key priority understood by a majority of the population.
Where Special Olympics World Games are known, they carry an excellent reputation for credibility, professionalism, and strong values. While trust is already high, increasing awareness presents the greatest opportunity to expand social impact. The study also highlights clear sponsorship benefits. Companies supporting Special Olympics gain measurable trust and public support, reinforcing positive brand perception.
Digital Stage, The Countdown is On
With the relaunch of the official website (https://switzerland2029.ch/), the 2029 Games is entering the next digital phase of its journey. The website will become the central hub for information, stories, and research, making clear that preparations for the 2029 Games are in full swing and anticipation is growing. An integrated countdown marks the way to 10 March 2029 and will generate continuous attention.
