As a gold partner for the Swiss Sports Aid foundation, the Axpo Corporation is committed towards developing Swiss sport at grassroots level. High performers in less fashionable sports should also be given the opportunity to make it to the top. Intensive sports training is an education in life and fosters personal and social skills.

Sports Aid collects funding which it uses to support Swiss sport at grassroots level. It is designed to enable as many young athletes as possible to make the jump to the international elite and to become role models, for sport, for young people and for Switzerland.

As part of its commitment, Axpo is sponsoring five children on the Sports Aid scheme on their journey to their top of their sports.

Jana Duff

My name is Jana Duff. I fence at Zurich Fencing Club and attend the United School of Sports.

I have been doing this sport for seven years. What appeals to me, in particular, is that you have to be very strong both physically and mentally. It is a battle of wits with your opponent; you have to remain composed under extreme pressure, but choose the right moment to strike. Getting your tactics right is the difference between winning and losing. My objective in the short term is the 2010 European Championships, and my dream goal is to take part in the Olympic Games.

Kathrin Fuhrer

What I like most about skiing is the variety in course structure, the different disciplines in competition, the closeness to nature, the fun of being so active, the speed and the dynamics of this event. My motto "don't dream your life, live your dream" helps me to keep looking ahead with a positive mindset, to deal with setbacks and to stay motivated. I will use this motto to help me achieve my big dream – to win Olympic gold and to be crowned overall World Cup champion.

Simon Schmidli

My name is Simon Schmidli and I play badminton. What I love about badminton is that it requires speed, endurance, power, coordination and mental strength in equal measure. Having endured injury setbacks, I am now totally focused on making it to the top. My long term objectives are to qualify for the Olympic Games, to compete in the World and European Championships, as well as to be the #1 player on the Swiss national team at team events.

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