2024 Olympic Games
Today is Liechtenstein Day in Paris. The spotlight is on mountain biker Romano Püntener, Liechtenstein’s sole representative at this year’s Olympic Games. This is the first time Liechtenstein has been represented by a “House of Liechtenstein” at one of the world’s major sporting events.
July 30, 2024 - Today is a special day for Romano Püntener. Yesterday, the 20-year-old competed in his first Olympic event, the cross-country race, and all of Liechtenstein was on the edge of their seats. Finishing in 28th place, he made a remarkable debut and gained many important and wonderful experiences. For Püntener, one thing was clear: “It is a great honor to be part of the Olympic Games.”
Just one day after his big appearance, the next one is already here: Today, Püntener is being celebrated at Liechtenstein Day in the “House of Liechtenstein.” The miniature replica of the Liechtenstein Parliament building is prominently located in the Stade Jean Bouin, which Germany has rented and transformed into a multi-nation house. With around 3,500 visitors daily, this is the largest national pavilion Germany has ever had. In addition to Liechtenstein, Luxembourg is also represented at the rugby stadium. Mathias Ulrich, Managing Director of Liechtenstein Marketing, says: “The fact that Liechtenstein is participating in the Olympic Games and has its own presence for the first time offers a unique opportunity to showcase the country internationally.”
Showcasing Liechtenstein's diversity
To mark today’s Liechtenstein Day, the Liechtenstein Olympic Committee (LOC) and Liechtenstein Marketing have invited various representatives from the worlds of sports, business, tourism, and politics to a brunch. On the stage at Stade Jean Bouin, host and six-time Olympian Marco “Büxi” Büchel welcomes, alongside Romano Püntener, State Councilor and Minister of Sport Dominique Hasler, LOC President Stefan Marxer, and Mathias Ulrich, the Managing Director of Liechtenstein Marketing. First, the mountain biker shares his early Olympic experiences: “I love the positive vibe of the many athletes, who all live for the sport and have a big goal in mind.” Next, Dominique Hasler, State Councilor and Minister of Sport, explains the significance of the Olympic Games for Liechtenstein. Martha Bühler, also a former Olympian, provides refreshments with the traditional Ribel and other delicacies straight from Liechtenstein.
An Evening of Music with Megawatt
On the evening of Liechtenstein Day, the Liechtenstein-Swiss band Megawatt will bring regional music to the stadium. Before the concert, Marco “Büxi” Büchel, as brand ambassador, will talk about his homeland and then announce Megawatt’s approximately 90-minute concert.