The Official Partner category represents the highest level within the Games’ partnership program, with Novartis becoming the first company to join this top-tier group. The partnership includes brand presence across official communications, integration into national campaigns, event branding at all competition venues, as well as activation opportunities through the Host Town Program and other official events.
The World Winter Games 2029 will take place from March 10–17, 2029. Around 2,500 athletes are expected to compete in 10 sports in Arosa, Chur and Lenzerheide, including curling and sport climbing as demonstration sports. The Opening Ceremony will be held at Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich. In the lead-up to the Games, delegations from more than 100 countries will visit cities and municipalities across Switzerland for four days as part of the nationwide Host Town Program.
Through its commitment, Novartis sends a strong signal for inclusion in healthcare and society. The long-term partnership extends beyond visibility during the Games and includes strategic communication and activation initiatives in the years leading up to 2029.
Through the World Winter Games Inclusion Office, Novartis will have access to specialized advisory and coaching services to further develop inclusive processes, raise awareness and implement concrete measures within its organization.
“This partnership is about putting our values into practice over the long term,” said Rob Kowalski, Chief Human Resources Officer at Novartis. “Special Olympics challenges us to rethink what inclusion truly means and reminds us that ability shows up in many ways. In the years ahead, we will continue listening, learning, and taking meaningful action across Novartis to raise awareness and build understanding so people in the disability community can feel respected and valued for who they are, in Switzerland and around the world.”
Jürgen Krucker, Head of Marketing and Deputy Secretary General of the World Winter Games 2029, said: “When a global company like Novartis commits to this cause, it sends a strong signal to the business community, to society and far beyond Switzerland’s borders. This partnership highlights the international importance of the World Winter Games 2029.”
At the heart of the partnership is a shared vision of a more inclusive society. In addition to brand visibility during the Games, the collaboration will include initiatives such as internal awareness programs and the active involvement of employees.
In this way, the partnership has the potential to serve as a catalyst for cultural change, within organizations and beyond.
For media inquiries:
World Winter Games Switzerland 2029 Sarina Künzli, Head of Communication, sarina.kuenzli@switzerland2029.org, +41 78 818 31 16