I'm hanging this medal in my bedroom

Around 1,500 athletes with disabilities competed in the National Summer Games  in the canton of Zug over the weekend– we took a look at some of the disciplines.
 

For four days, the Canton of Zug was all about the National Summer Games. The largest sporting event for athletes with intellectual disabilities, which takes place every two years in Switzerland - alternating between summer and winter - was definitely a success.

"Someday I'll reach the eleven-metre mark; that's my ultimate goal. I'm working hard at it," said an emotional Ruedi Häfliger. The Hochdorf native had just won the shot put competition at the Herti Athletics Stadium on Saturday. The Menznau native threw the 4-kilogram shot a distance of 10.70 metres. "I'm very satisfied and delighted with the victory. I competed here in Zug 20 years ago," recalled the now 38-year-old. Back then, the event was called the "Special Olympics Summer Games."

Two medals for Zug swimmer
Among the approximately 1,500 athletes, who came from Switzerland and neighbouring countries, was Franca Hegglin from the city of Zug, representing Procap Zug. She proudly displayed her two medals at the awards ceremony on Saturday afternoon at the Lättich swimming pool in Baar. The 23-year-old won gold in the 50-metre freestyle and silver in the 25-metre freestyle.

"I'm so happy and delighted with the medals. I'm going to hang them in my bedroom. But the best thing for me is this celebration." At the awards ceremony, Elmar Bacher from Rotkreuz, president of Procap Zug, also expressed his delight: "What could be better than seeing these happy people here? They're content. They're happy just to be here, to do something together."

The 56-year-old was already moved on Thursday when his daughter Stefanie (29), a swimmer, had the honour of carrying the torch into the arena at the opening ceremony.

Goal celebration for Zug soccer player Sandro Piccone.    Photo: WeArePepper/Claudio Kernen
Ruedi Häfliger wins the shot put.
Pure joy at the awards ceremony.
Sailing was also among the 16 disciplines.
Horse riding was also part of the programme
Fairness is also paramount in handball for the Germans (in black, against Winterthur)
Photos: Jan Pegoraro
 

"Making an experience possible"
There was also jubilation during the basketball game in the Waldmannhalle in Baar. In their 14-0 victory against the Raging Bulls, the team from Sarnen celebrated their first point, which gave them a 1-0 lead, with frenzied enthusiasm. Vanessa Pinto converted her second attempt with a free throw. The 19-year-old from Lungern - the only woman on the team - said: “I was thrilled to score the first basket. We deserved to win, but for me, participating is more important than winning or a ranking.” How does she get along in this male-dominated environment? “Very well. There are no problems. They accept that a woman is playing. We are a team.”

This also applies to their opponents: After fouls, players apologise to their opponents, fairness is important, and respect is paramount. Martin Kiser (56) from Alpnach has been the head coach of the basketball team since 2021. His motivation? “I can give these young adults an experience, a moment of happiness. Events like these are important for people with disabilities. They can prove themselves here, simply have a good time.”

He is himself the father of a son with an intellectual disability. “From experience, I know that you can achieve great things with small actions. In Sarnen, we train with the special needs team in basketball for two hours every Saturday. This ensures a bit of variety, and they really blossom here.”

“I’m a little nervous.”
Peter Jung from Brunnen was a volunteer at the tennis tournament in Zug’s Göbli district. The 44-year-old said, “Here, I can simply help these people and do something good for them by being there. My involvement is a matter of the heart. I treat them with great respect.”

Alexander Bucher from Grabs, St. Gallen, who competed for the Special Olympics Liechtenstein team, was also looking forward to his singles and doubles matches on Saturday afternoon. “I want to finish in the top three; that’s my goal here. In my free time, I also play soccer and boccia.”

How is the 49-year-old experiencing the Summer Games? "Great. I was at the party in the Olympic Village last night, but I went to bed early because I want to perform well today."

Handball was being played in the Herti sports hall. Here, 21-year-old Mehdi Abdallah from the Winterthur Handball Club was preparing for his next match. "I'm a bit nervous and get a little excited before every game. But I'm happy to be here, whether I win or lose – it doesn't matter." His words were representative of the athletes. Participation was more important than the ranking.

Indeed, the National Summer Games impressively demonstrated that medals and podium finishes are not the main focus. What mattered was the grand stage that was offered to the athletes in the Canton of Zug. They were heard, seen, and celebrated.

The next sporting highlight will be the World Summer Games in October 2027 in Santiago, Chile. Participation in Zug was one of the prerequisites for being selected for the Swiss delegation. The selection will take place on the 14th June, according to an announcement from the Special Olympics Switzerland.