The Health Congress, which took place for the first time in September 2026, is an essential building block for Special Olympics Health. This global health promotion program by Special Olympics International has been established in Switzerland for just over a year now. The program is crucial, because even in this country, people with intellectual disabilities have an increased risk of preventable health problems and a higher mortality rate. At the same time, the healthcare system in Switzerland is not yet sufficiently prepared for their specific needs.
The first Health Congress, which was held this autumn in Zug, brought together specialists, institutions, authorities, as well as people with intellectual disabilities and their relatives. It focused on equal health opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and how systems, organizations, and professionals can jointly achieve effective improvements.
Key Data
Date: September 24/25, 2026
Location: Johnson & Johnson, Gubelstrasse 34, 6300 Zug
Format:
- The first day was designed as a symposium for participants from all over Switzerland.
- The second day focused on “Opening Eyes,” one of the seven Healthy Athletes offerings, which are also part of the Health program. These are free preventive health screenings for athletes during Special Olympics National or World Games.
What You Could Expect
- Panel Talk on the current situation and levers for change
- Four Workshops – from the perspectives of affected individuals to imparting practical knowledge and developing concrete steps for implementation
- Expert Keynote – “The importance of medical progress for the inclusion of people with intellectual developmental disorders”
- World Café – four thematic tables and rotations
- Healthy Athletes “Opening Eyes” – demonstration of screenings and exchange formats for Clinical Directors
What We Aimed to Achieve with This Congress
- Raising awareness for health challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities
- Knowledge transfer, exchange of experiences, and best practices
- Networking around Healthy Athletes – for professionals, Clinical Directors, and cross-organizational collaboration
Who We Reached with Our First Congress
- Swiss health authorities
- Physicians and medical professionals
- Clinical Directors from the Healthy Athletes Health program
- Institution directors and staff
- People with intellectual disabilities and family members
Survey