Laureus Sport (Longest) Day

Imagine your perfect birthday: the sky igniting in hues of molten gold as the sun rises over Lake Zurich, the water still and shimmering like glass. The air is the kind that wraps around you like silk—crisp, honeyed with summer, charged with promise. You’re surrounded by athletes, philanthropists, and friends, all moving together—running, rowing, laughing, and playing—for a cause that truly matters. That was my birthday this year. And by beautiful coincidence, it was also the longest, sunniest, most joy-filled day of 2025.

A Morning on the Move
As dawn crept over the lake, a fishing boat skimmed across the surface, cutting gentle ripples through the golden stillness. The Laureus Sport for Good Day launched into action with a kaleidoscope of sporting activities: rowing, wakesurfing, cycling, self-defense training, and trail runs winding through the early light. Everyone—athletes and amateurs alike—moved together with pure, purposeful energy. It wasn’t competition; it was community.

Midday Magic at X-Bionic HQ
By lunchtime, we arrived at the futuristic playground of performance: the X-Bionic headquarters. There we met football star Lara Dickenmann and the incredibly inspiring Tim Basler. Tim is known for his epic journey on the Via Glaralpina—a 230-kilometer alpine loop around the Glarus Alps with over 18,000 meters of elevation gain. He conquered it in just 78 hours, with almost no sleep, powered only by grit, heart, and probably a little madness (the good kind). He’s not a pro athlete—just an audacious, mountain-loving soul who turns ideas into accomplishments. We test-drove the latest bionic shoes (surprisingly springy!), and then I went running through the woods with a group of cheerful, fit, and suspiciously good-looking men. I joked that this was my birthday gift—and honestly, who’s to say it wasn’t?

Evening Elegance and Heart
As the sun softened into evening, the energy shifted from play to celebration. The lakeside gala brought together ambassadors, donors, athletes, and dreamers. Fabian Cancellara—two-time Olympic gold medalist, cycling legend, and president of Laureus Switzerland—welcomed everyone with his signature warmth. And just to raise the bar (and the pulse), he cycled for charity on a stationary bike right there at the event, drenched in sweat and completely unfazed, reminding us what commitment really looks like.

CEO Martin Wittwer spoke with clarity and passion about Laureus’s mission, making it easy to see why he’s the quiet engine behind much of its success. I finally got to meet Roman Josi, the newest Laureus ambassador and captain of the Nashville Predators. He’s got that rare combination of quiet confidence and deep kindness—and a seriously generous heart.

Also in the mix were my triathlon icon Nicola Spirig, and the one and only Baschi, whose energy belongs somewhere between a rock concert and a family dinner. Once again, Baschi raised the most donations with an auction item that people would fight over: a mini-cruise on a stunning vintage wooden boat. The entire evening—auction, tombola, laughter and all—raised 46,000 CHF for Laureus programs.

Sunset at Fischer’s Fritz
Our final stop: the beautifully tucked-away Fischer’s Fritz. Equal parts restaurant and lakeside dreamland, it felt like a Swiss version of summer camp for grown-ups. We dined outdoors with the lake as our backdrop, the sky stretching long and pastel above us. The sun slipped below the waterline in slow motion, leaving behind a glowing sky that refused to let go—just like the memory of this day.

A Day That Stays With You
It wasn’t just my birthday. It was a reminder of what sport can spark: joy, connection, purpose, and solidarity. I ended the night with tired legs, a full heart, and a smile that still hasn’t faded.

What Laureus Does
Laureus Sport for Good believes in the power of sport to transform lives. Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s timeless words, the foundation has supported over 300 programs in more than 40 countries since its founding in 2000. These initiatives use sport to help children and young people navigate poverty, discrimination, trauma, and exclusion.

In Switzerland, Laureus backs projects that champion mental well-being, inclusion, and equal access to sport. From boxing classes that build confidence in teenage girls to football pitches that welcome kids of every background, Laureus creates space for empowerment. Because when kids move, they thrive—and when communities come together through sport, everyone wins.