On the occasion of the Paralympic Winter Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce and the State of Carinthia invited guests to the Carinthian Evening at the Austria House to honor the para-ski star from Carinthia, Markus Salcher, who competed in his last international race in Cortina and looks back on an extraordinary career.
When Carinthia is represented at the Paralympic Games, one name is particularly prominent: Markus Salcher. The para-skier has been one of Austria's most successful athletes for many years and is also an internationally recognized figurehead for the sporting region and the economic hub of Carinthia. For the 34-year-old, the Games are a special moment: The para-skier competed in his last international race on the legendary Tofana, thus bidding farewell to his active downhill career.
Paralympics: Economy, sport and international networking
On the occasion of the Paralympic Winter Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Chamber of Commerce President Jürgen Mandl and Governor Peter Kaiser, responsible for sports, hosted a Carinthian evening at the Austria House. Around 50 guests from the worlds of sports, business, tourism, and media accepted the invitation, including numerous business leaders from Carinthia. Chamber of Commerce President Jürgen Mandl emphasized the special significance of major international events like the Paralympic Games, where sports, business, and the international community converge. He noted that close cooperation with neighboring countries is a key factor in Carinthia's success. „We often forget that cooperation with Italy is far more than just transport or holidays. Italy has been our second or third largest market for decades. This close cooperation is of enormous importance; without it, we wouldn't have been able to build many of our businesses. The entire region is gaining increasing importance through these developments, and the exchange is becoming ever more intensive. When you consider that around 85 percent of Carinthia's GDP is generated outside of Carinthia, it becomes clear how essential it is to have a presence beyond its borders. That's precisely why it was so important for us to be involved in the Paralympics. Here, we're demonstrating the importance of the economy. For us entrepreneurs, this is a very special evening.“
Governor Peter Kaiser also emphasized the importance of Carinthia as an internationally networked economic region: „As part of the Alps-Adriatic region, Carinthia sees itself as a bridge builder between north and south. Carinthia understands itself as a living, working and economic area of opportunity, in which inclusion, fairness and top performance are actively practiced in many areas of life.“
The economy supports para-sports
Markus Salcher has been one of the most successful athletes in international para-skiing for years. With medals at World Championships and Paralympic Games, as well as his involvement as an athlete representative, chairman of the athletes' advisory board in the Austrian Paralympic Committee, and member of the board of the European Paralympic Committee, he shapes international para-sports both on and off the slopes.
That such top athletic performances are possible is also due to support from the business community. For eight years, Christoph Kulterer, CEO of the Hasslacher Group, has been committed as the main sponsor and reliable partner of Carinthian para-skiing. "In turbulent times, sustainability is more than just a buzzword – it's essential. An athlete doesn't just have a good day; they work towards this moment for years. It's similar in business. That's precisely what connects us, and that's why our collaboration has worked so well," says Kulterer. "We owe Markus a great deal. We've experienced wonderful days here and cheered him on. His tenacity is something we can all learn from. It's incredibly motivating for us too – and that's exactly why this partnership works so well."„
Mandl also emphasizes the importance of this commitment: "This commitment exemplifies the close connection between business and top-level sports in Carinthia. Companies are not only contributing to sporting success, but also sending a strong signal for social responsibility and inclusion."„
Certificate of Honor for Markus Salcher
The highlight of the official program was the presentation of an honorary certificate from the state of Carinthia to Markus Salcher. Governor Peter Kaiser said: "Markus, you have already received virtually every award there is. But we unanimously decided to present you with this honorary certificate."„
Chamber of Commerce President Mandl praised the para-skier as an outstanding ambassador for the state. "Markus Salcher embodies values that also characterize our economy: dedication, perseverance, and the courage to take on challenges. His international presence in sports has showcased Carinthia far beyond the realm of sport and strengthened our state's image as a high-performing business and residential location. For this, we thank you most sincerely and wish you all the best for your future career."„