The Special Olympics National Summer Games Zug 2026 came to an end on Sunday with a fitting closing ceremony.

Over the past few days, 1,498 athletes from all over Switzerland, along with international delegations, delivered impressive performances and emotional stories across 16 sports. Thousands of visitors, volunteers, coaches, family members and partners made the Games a truly unique sports festival.

The closing ceremony focused on looking back together on the past few days and thanking everyone who made these Games possible. Special Olympics Switzerland and the organizing committee paid special tribute to the outstanding commitment of the volunteers, partners, helpers and staff who contributed to the success of the event with great dedication and passion.

A special moment was the symbolic handover of the Special Olympics flag to the next host location: Chur will host the next National Games and carry the movement forward. The delegation from Graubünden was welcomed on stage with loud applause.

The National Summer Games Zug 2026 powerfully demonstrated the strength of sport: bringing people together, breaking down barriers and making inclusion visible. The memories of these special days will last for a long time.

Stay tuned… in the next few days we will publish the Games summary video here. Many thanks to Maurizio Secundo and Gianrico De Gennaro from Provoca Azione for the emotional and beautiful daily recaps.

All the photos are uploaded here

A huge thank-you goes to our three photographers Sebastian Schneider, Claudio Kernen and Manuel Lopez for the fantastic photos that capture both the sporting action and the emotions.
(Photo credit: WeArePepper/name of photographer)

You can find the rankings here.

On the second day of the Special Olympics National Summer Games Zug 2026, further division competitions took place in all 16 sports, and the first finals were also held.

The athletes showed impressive performances, passionately competing for best times, points, and personal successes, and were duly celebrated for it. The first medal ceremonies were particularly emotional: Amid great applause from the enthusiastic audience, the athletes received their well-deserved medals and celebrated their successes together with coaches, families, and fans.

In addition to the sporting highlights, today also featured the official guided tour for partners and supporters. Guests received an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Games, visited various competitions, and experienced the special atmosphere of the National Games firsthand. The medal ceremonies also provided moving moments for visitors, impressively demonstrating the power that sport and inclusion can unleash.

You can find more information about sports here and about the supporting program here.

Pictures will be uploaded here, every evening during the Games.
(Image credit: WeArePepper/Name of photographer)

You will find the start and ranking lists here.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, so you don’t miss any emotions.

The videos will be available on our YouTube channel after the Games

The National Summer Games Zug 2026 are open.
What an opening! Amid thunderous applause, the 119 delegations marched into the OYM hall in Zug. A truly moving moment for both the audience and the athletes. Christa Rigozzi and Nik Hartmann hosted the evening with great warmth and presence.

The most prominent guest was Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, who addressed some personal words to the athletes in a heartfelt interview with Games Ambassador Fabienne Villiger. These Games are particularly close to his heart, as he served as president of the local organizing committee before his appointment to Bern.

One special moment followed another: the hoisting of the Special Olympics flag, the anthem sung live by Jenny Schröder, and the athletes’ oath in multiple languages. The Games were officially opened with the lighting of the “Flame of Hope.”

Finally, Marc Sway ensured a fantastic atmosphere in the hall with “Es chunnt eso wies chunnt” and a live concert.

Now, the sporting action continues: In the coming days, around 1600 athletes will compete for medals in 16 sports. In parallel, the Olympic Village invites everyone to participate and celebrate with a diverse supporting program.

You can find more information about the sports here and about the supporting program here.

Photos will be uploaded here each evening during the Games.
(Photo credit: WeArePepper/photographer’s name)

You will find the start and ranking lists here.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn so you don’t miss any of the emotions.

The videos will be available on our YouTube channel after the Games

The Olympic Village is taking shape, the crews are on site, and everything is ready for the Special Olympics National Summer Games Zug 2026. Wherever you go in Zug today, you can feel the buzz and the action. Banners are being put up, temporary offices set up, final instructions given, and the tents, food trucks, etc. are being assembled too. You can feel the excitement everywhere.

The National Summer Games Zug 2026 can begin. We’re ready. .

You can find more information about the sports here and about the supporting program here.

Photos will be uploaded here each evening during the Games.
(Photo credit: WeArePepper/photographer’s name)

You will find the start and ranking lists here.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn so you don’t miss any of the emotions.

The videos will be available on our YouTube channel after the Games.

Nearly 1,600 athletes and around 600 coaches will compete in 16 sports at the National Summer Games Zug 2026, transforming the city into a vibrant stage for sports and connection over four days. The anticipation is palpable—behind the scenes, final preparations are in full swing, with the last details being coordinated and refined to ensure the Games are an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

The audience can look forward to thrilling competitions, moving moments, and an incredibly diverse and colorful supporting program. Above all, it will be the passion, joy, and genuine emotions of the athletes that will inspire and deeply touch everyone.

You can find more information about the sports here and about the supporting program here.

Images will be uploaded here each evening during the Games.
(Photo credit: WeArePepper/Name of photographer)

You will find the start and ranking lists here.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn so you don’t miss any of the emotions.

The videos will be available on our YouTube channel after the Games.

Zug experienced a special moment today: 300 people warmly welcomed the Special Olympics Torch at the boat dock by Zug’s Landsgemeindeplatz and carried it through the city with great motivation.

30 police officers accompanied the run, as traditionally the Torch Run for Special Olympics is organized worldwide by police forces. In Switzerland, we have been working with the IPA (International Police Association) on this wonderful project for many years.

The torch is now in Zug and, during the opening ceremony of the National Summer Games Zug 2026, it will light the Flame of Hope.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the run, celebrated with us, and made this special moment possible. Thanks to the IPA for the great collaboration and for being so passionate about this cause. Thanks also to the LOC of the National Summer Games Zug 2026 for the perfect on-site organization.

You can find photos here.

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the information day for the National Summer Games Zug 2026 took place—an important milestone on the road to this major event. More than 300 coaches, support staff, Technical Delegates and officials met in the OYM Hall for a joint briefing.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Games and Special Olympics Switzerland provided comprehensive information on all relevant topics—from logistics and venues to catering and schedules, right through to communications. Afterwards, all participants had the opportunity to visit the competition venues and clarify any open questions directly.

Thank you to everyone who took the time for this important day. A very special thank-you goes to the LOC, whose outstanding work, incredible commitment and attention to detail will surely ensure that the Games will be an unforgettable experience.

More about the Games

The starting signal for the National Summer Games in Zug will be given on May 28, 2026! For four days, more than 1,800 athletes from all over Switzerland will show their skills in 15 sports, share emotions and provide real goosebump moments.

Zug will become the center of inclusion, encounter and enthusiasm – with a colorful opening ceremony, exciting competitions, a varied supporting program and a festive closing ceremony.

All information about the event: www.zug2026.ch