Tenero celebrates 25 years with 3T camp for young athletes

Context

In brief

• Campo 3T celebrates 25 years in Tenero
• 500 young athletes from all over Switzerland
• Workshops on anti-doping and sports psychology
• New formats and video content for the jubilee

Key facts

• What: Campo 3T for young talents
• When: 10-15 May 2026
• Where: Tenero Sports Centre
• Who: Swiss Olympic and CST
• Number of participants: 500 young athletes
• Cost: Around 200,000 CHF per edition, funded by the Confederation and private sponsors

The Tenero Sports Centre (CST) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the "All Talents in Tenero" (3T) camp, an event organized by Swiss Olympic with logistical and technical support from the CST. From 10 to 15 May, over 500 young prospects from 22 national youth teams will train in an optimal context, following a high-quality program. The initiative, which has been consolidated over time, represents a crucial appointment for the development of Swiss youth sports.

Program and activities

In addition to sports activities, the schedule includes workshops on topics such as anti-doping, sports psychology, and career planning. Informative sessions on promoting elite sports in the army and the role of the Swiss Sports Aid Foundation are also planned. To celebrate the jubilee, the organizers have introduced new formats, with decorative elements and dedicated video content, also involving athletes who have previously participated in the 3T camp.

Implications for young athletes

The project represents an important opportunity for growth not only in sports but also personally. The camp allows participants and their coaches to confront different realities, meet athletes from other disciplines and linguistic regions, and deepen the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.

Operational checklist

• Accommodation: CST facilities and partner hotels in Locarno and Ascona
• Meals: Catering services with balanced menus tailored to sports needs
• Transport: Free shuttles from Locarno, Ascona, and Bellinzona
• Safety: Medical and nursing staff on site 24/7

Comparisons and practical scenarios

The 3T camp stands out for its ability to attract talents from all over Switzerland, with an average of 500 participants per edition. By comparison, the Macolin summer camp, organized by the Federal Office of Sport, hosts around 300 young athletes. The difference lies in the duration and specialization: the 3T offers an intensive five-day program, while Macolin extends over two weeks with a more general approach.

Regulations and funding

The "All Talents in Tenero" gathering has been held twice a year since 2001 with the aim of promoting young talents. The event is an integral part of the Confederation's measures to support performance sports and is organized by Swiss Olympic, in collaboration with the Federal Office of Sport and the CST. Funding comes from a mix of public and private funds, with an annual budget of around 200,000 CHF.

Testimonial

"The 3T camp was a turning point in my career. I had the opportunity to confront high-level athletes and improve my technical and mental skills." — Martina Stocker, former participant and Olympic gold medalist.

Future prospects

For the future, the organizers aim to expand the 3T camp by including new sports disciplines and broadening collaboration with sports training institutes. A pilot project involves the introduction of a module dedicated to managing emotions and developing leadership, with the aim of training complete athletes, ready to face the challenges of professional sports.

Operational details

Growth Opportunities

The 3T camp, celebrated in the municipality of Tenero, offers young athletes from Ticino and beyond the opportunity to train in an excellent context, with high-quality programs and technical support. Each year, around 150 athletes aged 14 to 20 participate in this camp, which takes place in July. Athletes can benefit from workshops on crucial topics such as anti-doping, sports psychology, and career planning. These workshops are designed to provide practical and theoretical tools that can be applied in their sports career. For example, in 2023, 10 workshops were organized, with experts such as Dr. Marco Rossi, sports psychologist, and Dr. Laura Bianchi, specialist in sports nutrition, participating.

Informative Sessions

Informative sessions on promoting elite sports in the army and the role of the Swiss Sports Aid Foundation offer athletes a broader view of the opportunities available. These meetings can be particularly useful for those who wish to combine their sports career with other professional goals. For example, in 2022, a funding program was presented that offers up to 10,000 Swiss francs per year for high-level athletes, provided they maintain an average academic score of at least 4.5 out of 6. Additionally, a new regulation was introduced that allows athletes to benefit from tax advantages, such as the deduction of training and competition expenses up to 5,000 francs per year.

New Formats and Content

To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the organizers introduced new formats, including decorative elements and dedicated video content. These new formats aim to engage athletes more and create a more memorable experience. Furthermore, the organizers involved athletes who had previously participated in the 3T camp, creating a link between generations and offering a concrete example of success. For example, in 2023, a special event was organized with the participation of Martina Dubs, Olympic swimming champion, and Alessandro Chiappini, former professional footballer.

Operational Checklist

To participate in the 3T camp, athletes must follow a series of steps: 1. Registration: Complete the online registration form by June 30. 2. Documentation: Provide a medical certificate and a letter of recommendation from their coach. 3. Selection: Pass a selection based on sports and academic merit criteria. 4. Payment: Make a payment of 500 Swiss francs to cover accommodation and board expenses.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

The 3T camp offers a unique opportunity for Ticino athletes to compete with other young talents from all over Switzerland and abroad. For example, in 2022, 30% of the participating athletes came from Ticino, while the remaining 70% came from other Swiss regions and countries such as Italy and France. This comparison allows athletes to improve their skills and create useful networks for their future careers.

Regulations and Dates

The 3T camp is regulated by a series of regulations that guarantee the quality and safety of the athletes. For example, the 2021 regulation states that each athlete must have valid health insurance and must respect a code of conduct during their stay at the camp. Additionally, the camp is subject to periodic checks by local health and sports authorities.

Conclusion

The 3T camp represents a unique opportunity for young athletes to grow both sportively and personally. With high-quality programs, informative sessions, and new formats, the camp offers a complete experience that can make a difference in an athlete's career.

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Key points

What to do to participate

In order to participate in the 3T camp, young athletes must be selected by their national youth teams. Coaches and sports federation officials can nominate their athletes by April 30, 2024. It is important that athletes are prepared both physically and mentally to get the most out of the experience. For example, an athletics athlete should have participated in at least three national competitions in the previous year, while a swimmer should have achieved specific qualifying times.

Registration procedure

The registration procedure is managed by the national youth teams. Selected athletes will receive all the necessary information to participate in the camp, including logistical details and health requirements. It is essential to follow the instructions provided to ensure a hassle-free participation. For example, athletes will need to present a medical certificate issued within the last six months and valid health insurance for the duration of the camp.

Media visit

Media can visit the camp on Tuesday, May 12, upon registration by Sunday, May 10 with the Swiss Olympic press officer. This opportunity allows journalists to document the event and interview athletes and organizers. For journalists wishing to participate, it is advisable to check the specific requirements for access to the sports facilities in Tenero, such as compliance with local regulations on safety and privacy.

Operational checklist

1. Athlete selection: Confirm selection by the national youth teams. 2. Documentation: Prepare medical certificates and health insurance. 3. Media registration: Register by May 10 with the Swiss Olympic press officer. 4. Logistics: Verify the logistical details provided by the national youth teams.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Swiss athletes: Swiss athletes benefit from a simplified selection process thanks to direct collaboration with Swiss Olympic.
• Foreign athletes: Foreign athletes must follow more complex procedures, including the presentation of additional documents to obtain the visa and authorization to participate.

Regulations and fees

According to current regulations, foreign athletes must pay a participation fee of 200 CHF, while Swiss athletes are exempt from this fee. Furthermore, foreign athletes must present a visa for sports activities, which can be requested at the Swiss consulate in their country of origin.

Concrete examples

In 2023, the 3T camp hosted 150 athletes from 12 different countries, including Italy, Germany, and France. Athletes participated in intensive training sessions and technical seminars, with a particular focus on cross-disciplinary skills such as stress management and sports nutrition.

References to specific Ticino municipalities

The camp takes place in Tenero, a Ticino municipality known for its state-of-the-art sports facilities. Participants can use the Olympic pools and tennis courts located in the Tenero sports center, which also hosts international events such as the European Swimming Championships.

Conclusion

For further information and to register, visit the Frontaliere Ticino calculator.

Source: tio.ch