VfG/LCZ: Two clubs – one soul

The Association for Major Events of the Zurich Athletics Club (VfG/LCZ) is the organising association of Weltklasse Zürich and holds all associated rights. It sees itself as representing the interests of LC Zürich (LCZ), but is a legally independent association in accordance with Art. 60 ff. ZGB.

The statutory purpose of the association is to organise Weltklasse Zürich and other major national or international events. From the profits generated, the VfG/LCZ transfers to the parent club - after setting aside the necessary reserves and provisions - an annual contribution to support jointly defined club activities that are not otherwise financed, as well as athletes of the LCZ who are worthy of support. In addition, it uses funds to finance individual projects that are directly or indirectly related to Weltklasse Zürich.

LC Zurich, on the other hand, «operates, supports and promotes active athletics» according to Article 1 of its statutes and «organises major events for organisational reasons within the framework of the LCZ Association for Major Events (VfG/LCZ)» (Article 31). The separation of the two associations is necessary insofar as the LCZ would be liable with its association assets in the event of the loss of Weltklasse Zürich. As all members of the VfG board, including Olympic triathlon champion Nicola Spirig, must also be members of the LCZ in accordance with the articles of association, both clubs are pulling in the same direction.

Founded in 1983 by former meeting director and LCZ President Res Brügger, the VfG/LCZ developed into the driving force behind the UBS Kids Cup launched in 2011 and the 2014 European Athletics Championships in Zurich under President Gerhard Weber from 2006 onwards. Under Felix Frei, who has headed the sponsoring association since 2017, the VfG/LCZ continues to reinvest around CHF 600,000 annually in the LCZ and Swiss athletics in a targeted manner to ensure their long-term success.