By Mark Riklin
Friday, February 5, 2038. On the opening day of this year's Olympic and subsequent Paralympic Winter Games, Stadler trains in the colors of the participating nations approach the historical center of Switzerland from all directions. At the Rütli, Switzerland’s most sacred ground, the opening ceremony takes place with a groundbreaking premiere: for the first time in Olympic history, the "Refugee Olympic Team" marches hand in hand with the youth-based "Talent Refugee Olympic Team" into the open-air arena. Refugees and Swiss sports talents as co-flag bearers—a powerful signal to the global public.
Symbol of Hope
"A goosebump moment," says Reto Ammann, who has internalized this scene as an image and distant goal in all its details. A vision rooted in the year 2016. Specifically, on August 5, 2016, during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The General Director of SBW Haus des Lernens watches the first-ever entry of a Refugee Team and the opening speech by IOC President Thomas Bach on screen:"The Refugee Olympic Team sends a symbol of hope to all the refugees in the world and a signal to the international community that refugees are an enrichment of our society. Everyone can contribute to the society through their talent, skills, and strengths of the human spirit."
Birth of the Idea
A remarkable speech that should not go unheeded. "But is it truly genuine or just part of a feel-good washing campaign by the IOC?" Reto Ammann wondered back then in conversation with Swiss Olympic President Jürg Stahl. If the IOC truly takes the refugee issue seriously, the concept should be extended to younger talents. A young person’s dream should not simply evaporate in the face of displacement but rather provide stability and hope in difficult circumstances. Consequently, the IOC should also offer opportunities for the most promising talents. Thus, the "Talent Refugee Olympic Team" was at least conceptually born and on its way to becoming a reality.
Audience with the President
During the Youth Olympic Winter Games in Lausanne, on January 8, 2020, a unique opportunity arises to present the now-developed concept "Olympic Refugee Village – Athlete Programme Grade 9-12" to Federal President Simonetta Sommaruga, Sports Minister Viola Amherd, and IOC President Thomas Bach:"The International Olympic Committee enables refugees, through its 'Olympic Refugee Athlete Programme,' not only to participate in the actual Olympic Games but also in preparatory sports events (e.g., Youth Olympic Games). Switzerland supports this initiative and commits to the idea of training young sports-talented refugees at the Talent-Campus Bodensee."
Subsidy Agreement with SEM and BASPO
The conversation, orchestrated by Jürg Stahl, is encouraging, but further steps are delayed by almost two years due to the pandemic. Shortly before Christmas 2021, a subsidy agreement is signed with the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and the Federal Office of Sport (BASPO): the Talent-Campus Bodensee launches an innovative integration project in the field of sports and education with the "Refugee Programme" in the new year. Over the next four years, up to 15 sports-talented refugees aged 12 to 20 already residing in Switzerland will have the chance to develop their talents. A special Christmas story.
Guests from Ukraine
Events unfold quickly just a few months later. Overnight, more than 40 refugees from Ukraine, young aspiring ice hockey players aged 9 to 17, accompanied by their mothers and siblings, arrive at Talent-Campus Bodensee. After a multi-day, arduous bus journey from the Slovak-Ukrainian border via Budapest to Kreuzlingen, they find shelter here. With combined efforts, bedding, mattresses, hygiene products, diapers, baby food, and groceries are mobilized within hours. Within days, the hockey talents can resume training and pursue their passion.
United Summer Camp
The project, now called "Coubertin meets Dunant," continues to evolve step by step. At the end of March 2024, the newly founded "Coubertin meets Dunant Foundation" holds its first official board meeting. In late June 2024, the first "United Summer Camp" takes place, with 25 young athletes from Afghanistan, Iran, Hong Kong China, and South Korea participating. Under the direction of Christoph Burkart, they experience a diverse 12-day program with intercultural training, multi-sport activities, charity matches in front of hundreds of spectators, guided tours, United Challenges like "Speakdating," and a photo safari. An attempt to build bridges through shared passion and overcome cultural differences.
Gaining Momentum
On July 26, 2024, the next Olympic Games open in Paris. Foundation board member and Swiss Olympic President Jürg Stahl is on-site, while Reto Ammann watches the opening ceremony on TV. He notes with satisfaction that the launch of the "Refugee Olympic Team" has gained momentum: during the boat parade on the Seine, the Refugee boat with 37 refugee athletes follows directly behind the Greek boat. The awarding of the Laureus Award to UNHCR President Filippo Grandi during the opening ceremony highlights how important the inclusion of the Refugee Team is to the IOC. "A special moment, as we held various discussions with the UNHCR in Geneva and our ideas were met with approval," says Reto Ammann.
Talent Development
In late September 2024, the Federal Council endorses plans to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2038 in Switzerland. If Switzerland's bid meets the requirements, the final decision is expected by the end of 2027. According to Reto Ammann, the submitted Swiss bid dossier should prominently feature the "Talent Refugee Olympic Team": "This shows how important sports and physical activity are and that talent development has an immense impact on the development of individuals and society as a whole."
