Context
Volunteers are the backbone of Swiss sports, providing essential support that allows various sports programs and events to thrive. Switzerland has a rich tradition of volunteerism in sports, with nearly one out of five adults volunteering regularly in sports clubs[1]. This engagement is not limited to time contributions but extends to donations and leveraging personal networks for the benefit of sports organizations.
- Sustainability of Sports Clubs: Volunteers are crucial for the operation of over 19,000 sports clubs in Switzerland, which include about 25% of the population.
- Event Management: Major sports events rely on volunteers for successful execution, with smaller events being entirely volunteer-run.
- Community Involvement: Volunteering fosters community involvement and interpersonal connections, contributing to personal growth and career orientation.
The number of volunteers is known to fluctuate over time due to various factors such as economic conditions, societal trends, and significant events such as natural disasters or pandemics. According to « Freiwilligen-Monitor Schweiz 2020 » by Markus Lamprecht, Adrian Fischer, Hanspeter Stamm (ISBN 978-3-03777-215-7) Volunteer work in clubs is decreasing dramatically. A decline in formal voluntariness can be observed, particularly in sports.
In the coming years following large sporting events will be held in Switzerland and the numbers of needed volunteers:
- 2025 Biathlon- World Championships Lenzerheide (1’000)
- 2025 Snowboard und Ski Freestyle Weltmeisterschaft Engadin (650)
- 2025 UEFA Women’s EURO
- 2025 ESAF 2025 Glarnerland
- 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships Valais
- 2025 Fête fédérale de gymnastique Lausanne
- 2026 Eidg. Schützenfest Chur (1’000)
- 2026 Special Olympics National Summer Games Zug
- 2026 IIHF ICE HOCKEY World Championship Switzerland
- 2027 Alpine World Championships Crans-Montana
- 2028 ESAF 2028 Thun
- 2028 European Handball Championship Men
- 2029 Special Olympics World Winter Games
Potential large sporting events in Switzerland:
- 2030 European Championships
- 2038 Olympic / Paralympic games
