Successful para cross-country training camp in Andermatt

The recent cross-country skiing training camp in Andermatt was a huge success and served as the perfect preparation for the upcoming 2025 Military World Winter Games. Participants from Germany and France spent an intensive week improving their skills on skis. However, the training camp was not just a sporting event, but also an inspiring week full of stories, friendships and personal achievements.

1/13/2025

With the aim of inclusion, the CISM nations were offered a training camp in para-cross-country skiing in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Military World Winter Games. During this intensive week, disabled service personnel from Germany and France improved their cross-country skiing skills, with many of them experiencing skiing for the first time. At the end of the week, the organizers drew a positive conclusion. The barrier-free accommodation in Andermatt proved to be ideal, without further hurdles for the participants. At the same time, the organizers succeeded in inspiring many new athletes for the Military World Winter Games, which represents a promising perspective for the future of para-sports.

Despite their different backgrounds and limitations, all participants were able to benefit significantly from the cross-country skiing lessons. The CISM motto «Friendship through Sport» was lived every day, with new friendships forming and the atmosphere characterized by laughter, deep conversations and mutual motivation. The diversity of the participants made the training camp particularly impressive. From athletes with visible disabilities to participants who are overcoming an invisible challenge due to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), the range of personal stories was impressively individual.

David, who lost his left leg in action, emphasized the positive experience in Andermatt: «It was a great experience, I was able to benefit a lot from the courses and had a well-organized week. I think it's great to have been offered such an opportunity.» David, who also found the week enriching, had a similar experience: «The week was great, I was able to work on my technique and at the same time enjoy time with my comrades in the beautiful winter region of Andermatt.»

With enthusiasm and positive experiences, the participants, but also the organizers, look back on a week that was not only enriching in terms of sports, but also on a human level. The week ended not only with improved cross-country skiing skills, but also with strengthened friendships and anticipation of upcoming sporting challenges.