We close the Gap. A national crowdfunding campaign in response to threatened cuts to Youth+Sport (J+S)

I Believe In You is responding to the threatened cuts to Youth+Sport (J+S) by launching the national crowdfunding campaign We close the Gap. The aim is to send a signal and raise money for Swiss sport. Many prominent supporters are already on board.

Strong commitment against the announced cuts

On 19 June 2025, the Federal Office of Sport announced that it would cut J+S contributions by 20% from 2026. A paradox. More children being active, more volunteer commitment, and yet less money. The public outcry was huge, with over 175,000 signatures against the cuts collected in no time.

“At I Believe In You, we see every day that sport lacks financial resources. These cuts would be devastating”, says co-founder and former top fencer Fabian Kauter. CEO Pascal Magyar adds “J+S does far more than promote physical activity and develop talent. It also strengthens integration, cohesion and social values. Cutting here harms Switzerland in the long run.”

The We close the Gap crowdfunding project as a signal

That’s why I Believe In You decided to launch the crowdfunding project We close the Gap to counter the threatened cuts. The whole of Switzerland should pull together and raise money for sports and youth clubs. Every J+S-affiliated club that registers with I Believe In You will receive a share of the money raised at the end.

Support is coming from every corner of sport. Pro cyclist Marlen Reusser, canoeist Alena Marx, former footballer Beni Huggel, figure skater Sarah Van Berkel and Olympic ski champion Marco Odermatt, who stresses “The support from J+S is essential to set children on the right path in life and to support young athletes in elite sport as well as in grassroots sport.”

The aim of the project is to mobilise as many people as possible to raise additional funds for sport and draw attention to the issue. “Closing the gap completely is up to politicians”, says Magyar. “But every franc we raise together is an investment in the future of our sport.”

Support now!

Everyone can make a contribution! Support the project, share it or tell your club that it absolutely has to register. You’ll find all the information at www.weclosethegap.ch