Together with City Councilor Balthasar Glättli, representatives from GC Zurich and GC Unified, and officials from the Special Olympics World Games Switzerland 2029, the Info Tower was officially unveiled before the Super League match between Grasshopper Club Zurich and FC St. Gallen.
The location holds special significance for the World Games: On March 10, 2029, athletes from around 100 countries will gather at Letzigrund for the grand opening ceremony. The Info Tower already brings the upcoming major event into view and marks the countdown to 2029.
Balthasar Glättli, City Councilor and Minister of Sports for the City of Zurich:
“It is a great joy for Zurich that the 2029 Special Olympics World Winter Games will open at the Letzigrund. The Games bring people from all over the world together and powerfully demonstrate the unifying power of sports. With the Info Tower, the World Games are already visible in our city, and the anticipation for 2029 can begin.”
Soccer Brings
People Together That evening, Letzigrund was not only a venue for professional soccer but also for Unified Sports. The GC Unified Team is fully integrated into the club: people with and without disabilities train and play together—as equals and with great team spirit. During halftime, the Unified Teams from GC Zurich and FC St. Gallen faced off, demonstrating to a large crowd how soccer brings people together.
Lorenzo Cerullo, GC Unified player:
“A dream is coming true for me for the second time. I get to play at Letzigrund again in front of so many people, my family, and the fans! Being here with my team makes me happy and proud. We’re part of GC.”
Matteo Mantini, midfielder for Grasshopper Club Zurich:
“Soccer thrives on teamwork—on different people coming together on the field to work toward a common goal. That applies just as much to us pros as it does to the Unified Team. I think it’s great that we can bring this idea to life together while also looking ahead to the 2029 World Games.”
Dominique Sandoz Mey, GC Unified team manager:
“GC Unified is firmly rooted in the club. Together on the field. Together in the club. We train and play together, as equals and with a strong team spirit. When our team takes the field at Letzigrund during halftime, inclusion becomes visible and tangible for everyone—right in the middle of the stadium, right in the middle of soccer. The 2029 World Games for People with Disabilities will carry this spirit forward on an even bigger stage.”
The countdown is on. On March 10, 2029, the Special Olympics World Games for People with Disabilities Switzerland 2029 will officially open with the opening ceremony at Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich. The Games will then move to Graubünden, where the athletic competitions will take place in Arosa, Chur, and Lenzerheide.
Athletes with intellectual disabilities from around 100 countries will compete in various winter sports during the World Games. In addition to the athletic achievements, the focus will be on the interactions between people from all over the world and the social impact of the Games.
The Info Tower at Letzigrund will mark the countdown to the opening ceremony and raise awareness of the World Winter Games as we head toward 2029 in Zurich.