Holcim Spirit at the National Games Zug 2026

As the largest multi-sport event for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Switzerland, the National Games Zug 2026 fosters connections between people.

In addition to empowering participants to fulfil their potential through the power of sport, the Games create moments for communities to come together in the spirit of inclusion.

Holcim is driven by our purpose to build progress for people and the planet. As the leading partner for sustainable construction, we are helping build the essential infrastructure, industry and buildings people need to ensure that communities across the world can thrive.

That’s why being one of the main sponsors of this year’s Games in Zug, the Swiss canton we call home, from May 28–31, is a special source of pride. And the event itself was unforgettable – a long weekend of celebrating inclusion, sport, and community, as well as living out our Holcim Spirit as a team.

Leading by example

Throughout the Games, the Holcim booth hosted athletes, members of the public, volunteers, Holcim’s leadership team and visitors – including the mayor of Zug and members of the Swiss Olympics Committee. From our “Wheel of Fortune” dedicated to sustainable construction to a large wall with a cityscape of Zug that visitors were free to color in, our visitors could feel the deep sense of community and affinity we feel for our home city.

Our leadership team also took part in a moving medal ceremony, where everyone could feel the determination of the athletes and the support of their families. At the CEO Grill event organized by co-sponsor Coop, Holcim’s CEO Miljan Gutovic fired up the barbecue and put on an apron to cook for and connect with the community.

Photo: © Martin Bissig

It's an honor that Holcim is participating, and it’s very special. You hear it, you see it and you feel it. Thank you very much for your support. And a special thank you very much to the more than 60 Holcim volunteers. Volunteering needs a lot of heart.

André Wicki | Mayor of Zug

The Special Olympics Zug Games truly reflect the Holcim Spirit in action through our commitment to Purpose, People and Performance. This is a tangible example of how Holcim can build spaces where everyone can thrive and feel empowered. We are glad to contribute to the community of Zug in such a meaningful way.

Miljan Gutovic | Chief Executive Officer, Holcim

The resilience of the athletes is incredibly inspiring, and I am proud that Holcim has played a part in this. Being here at the Special Olympics shows the power of bringing people together – athletes, the organizers, volunteers, and supporters. For me, it’s been a wonderful reminder of the importance that inclusion plays in strengthening relationships and driving cohesion in our communities.

Alexia Sommer | Chief Communications Officer, Holcim

Did you know?

The unusual, circular table tennis ‘pipe’ at our booth made out of our carbon prestressed concrete (CPC) and Ductal ultra high-performance concrete.

Did you know?

Urs Bischof, the designer of the medals for the Zug Games, is not only a prominent goldsmith, sculptor and artist based in Zug. Before dedicating his life to art, he was also a professional football player who won the Swiss Cup with FC St. Gallen in 1969.

“It was a great honor to design these medals. The idea behind the design with arms reaching up is that athletes are always striving to reach new heights and achievements. And what the athletes here at the Zug Games 2026 have achieved over the last few days is just so overpowering.”

Living the Holcim Spirit

During this energy-filled weekend, more than 60 of Holcim employees volunteered their time to help make the Games a success. The hours spent volunteering were moments of genuine connection between colleagues and the Zug and athlete communities. Read some of our employees’ reflections from the weekend.

I am super proud that so many Holcim colleagues joined me to host our amazing booth today. It's wonderful to see how many visitors are here, and can learn something about our company in a playful and fun way.

Anne

Group Communications

I believe that having community events where everyone can participate and feels welcome creates a positive, happy environment. Talking to my colleagues around me, almost everyone wanted to volunteer, and I think this really shows the Holcim Spirit in action across our different teams.

Ingrid

Group Finance

Representing Holcim at an event focused on inclusion, community and human potential underscores our belief that diversity fuels growth and value creation – for people and communities as well as customers and shareholders.

Ben

Group Communications

The energy, the pure joy, and the determination of these athletes is incredibly inspiring, and I just knew I had to come out and support them! Our Purpose is bringing people together, the People – both athletes and volunteers are lifting each other up, and the Performance on the field is all about heart and giving 100%. It’s the Holcim Spirit in action!

Jelena

Group Advanced Decarbonization

When you’re proud to represent your company, you know you’re in the right place. At our booth, the Holcim Spirit was as lively as ever as we connected with our community and shared our vision for sustainable construction. Volunteering at the Special Olympics was a powerful reminder that building progress truly starts with people.

Silvia

Group Security and Resilience

The Holcim Spirit is fully aligned with this event. Our Purpose is fully driven by the passion I see in the athletes my fellow Holcim volunteers. On the topic of People, this event is all about the people and I’m proud that Holcim is supporting them. As for Performance, I am truly amazed by the participants in these events.

Rakesh

Group Finance

I'm volunteering today because it really embodies the Holcim Spirit. It gives me a chance to collaborate, to help, to participate, to be part of the Zug community and represent Holcim.

Lydia

Group Tax

I think it's a really great event and I'm really glad to be a part of it to support all the athletes here and the amazing job they're doing. Being able to give away ice cream would be my dream job if I wasn't working at Holcim! So it’s a win-win for everyone.

Steven

Group Sustainability

I'm volunteering at the event because I think that the sports should be accessible to everyone. I think it's a fantastic example of resilience and inclusion. I have great admiration for the athletes who are taking part in these Games today.

Miriam

Holcim Trading and Shipping

Extremely inspiring to see the athletes and so many colleagues step up to drive meaningful impact. I will always remember the smiles on everyone's faces. Proud we got to share our Holcim Spirit with the community of Zug.

Aderemi

Group Communications

It’s important that we show our presence at these amazing events for society. For me, this is what brings the Holcim Spirit to life – it is about caring and showing empathy. The Special Olympics really shows that spirit, giving a voice and exposure to people from all different backgrounds who do amazing things.

Elena

Group Branding & Marketing

I'm very happy to be a volunteer at the Special Olympics. This is a subject that is close to my heart. I'm super proud to represent the Holcim team here in the booth and to connect with people. I think that this is the best way to make our world a better place.

Marie-Ange

Group People

Check out our “Volunteering Wall” here.