Olympic and Paralympic athletes honoured in Bern

Samuel Schmid congratulates the Paralympic medallists (front row, from left to right: Hanspeter Weber, Hans-Joerg Arnold, Rudolf Weber; back row: Hans Burn, Rolf Heinzmann) Keystone

Swiss Olympic and Paralympic medallists at the Salt Lake City winter games have been officially honoured in Bern.

During a reception in the capital, the Swiss president, Kaspar Villiger, reminded guests of the importance of the Swiss athletes’ performances. Villiger said their exploits contributed towards an interest for popular sports.

“The world of sports is at your feet and doors are opening,” said the Swiss president. “The path to victory is made up of will, endurance and exact planning. Then comes the time of enthusiasm and joy.”

Villiger also pointed out that the athletes had involuntarily acquired new responsibilities. “You are now role models,” he said.

The Swiss president said he had gained considerable motivation in cross-country skiing after the excellent performance of the Swiss women’s team. He concluded by saying that he had also been impressed by the will to win displayed by the disabled athletes.

Samuel Schmid congratulates

The defence minister, Samuel Schmid, also expressed his warmest congratulations to the athletes.

He pointed out three “dream performances”, including the ski jumper Simon Ammann’s two gold medals. Schmid also praised the women’s cross-country team, which came out with a bronze medal, before turning his attention to the quadruple Paralympic medallist, Rolf Heinzmann.

Schmid concluded by paying homage to those who took many risks and lost everything. “In top sporting events, the distance between glory and the abyss is small.”

swissinfo with agencies