“I love taking care of people," says Mathias Dolderer. Mathias is 51 years old and was born in Germany. When the tall man with the beard and glasses does something, it has to be fun. It has to be human, personal, and emotional. It was this attitude that brought Dolderer to flying at the age of 24. 

Nearly three decades have passed since he dedicated himself to aviation. " I started working for Eurowings as a cabin crew member in 1998. " He flew for the company for ten years, ensuring the safety of passengers on board and looking after them. Mathias worked his way up and became a Maître de Cabin. But at some point, he felt the need for change. Mathias, who lives in Klettgau in the Waldshut district of Germany, heard that SWISS was looking for a Maître de Cabin for short-haul flights. He applied - and was successful.

Many might wonder: switching from one airline to another. Isn’t that similar? The Maître de Cabin answers quickly and firmly. "No," he says, adding: "Of course, flying is similar everywhere. But the difference for me is the mentality and philosophy at SWISS. At Eurowings, he had reached the point where this perspective was no longer available. At SWISS, I have a much broader base and more opportunities compared to other airlines." This is also reflected in his career. Mathias has flown both short-haul and long-haul flights for SWISS. For a few years he even moved to the headquarter of SWISS, working in Operational Flight Support department. At SWISS, I have the opportunity to fly, give training or work in the office. I can change at any time," he summarizes.

 

"The Maître de Cabin is also a world champion"

But Mathias doesn’t only enjoy flying. In winter, he is a regular skier, sometimes all over the world. For decades, the 51-year-old has been a member of the IASF, the International Air Ski Federation. He has served as a board member and president. Every year, there are championships in which airline ski teams from all around the world take part. Dolderer once even won the world championship with the SWISS Snowteam. It took the Maître de Cabin a long time to realise that this hobby would lead him to a new passion. It took a love story for that to happen. 

"I got married for the second time in 2017," he says. Through his marriage, Mathias brother-in-law came into his life, who has Down syndrome. He used to be a cyclist, but later took up swimming. One day, his brother-in-law had a competition. "My wife asked me if I would accompany her to the competition." He admits that he was not immediately enthusiastic about the idea. "I couldn’t imagine what it would be like. I only went for my wife’s sake."

What followed was a firework display of emotions that still moves him today. "Once you’ve seen a competition like that, it completely captivates you. " The swimming hall was completely full that afternoon. The atmosphere was fantastic. " One memory in particular has stayed with Mathias: "A girl was brought to the start in a wheelchair. When she started the race, helpers tipped her into the water." He was shocked at first. "My wife laughed and told me to calm down. She already knew what was coming because she’d been there before. " The athlete took a long time to cover the 25-metre distance. But - "She was cheered on the whole time, the hall was shaking, the atmosphere was electric. " The idea of such events is to bring people with disabilities from the margins of society into the spotlight. "That works. "

 

Athletes compete in eight disciplines at the Special Olympics

Today, Mathias Dolderer is no longer just a spectator at competitions. He is the ski coach of the German Special Olympics national ski team. In March, he will be travelling with the German delegation to Italy for the competition. From 8 to 15 March, 1500 athletes from 102 countries will compete in eight different disciplines. These include alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, dance and figure skating. 

"It’s like the Olympic Games - just smaller", he says with a smile.: "I would argue, better." There are several categories in each sport to cater for the weaknesses and strengths of the participants and to create a system that is as fair as possible. They are categorised according to qualification. "The sport brings so many benefits to the athletes", explains Mathias. "Not just physically, but also for the mind and social skills." The biggest challenge for him as a coach? "Looking at each and every individual and encouraging them accordingly. "

The fact that this support is possible is mainly thanks to volunteer work. "In the past, it was often the case that our athletes." Sporting careers ended after their school career because there were no further opportunities. The father of an athlete with Down syndrome therefore founded the Special Olympics Hochrhein support association. "The members of the association are now between 12 and 50 years old."

 

"I am looking forward to many medals"

The development association focuses on having fun and enjoying sport. But there is also room for ambition. "When I think about the Special Olympics, I look forward to great games, lots of medals and new friendships, " says Dolderer. But the medals are not equally important to everyone, he adds. "Fabian, one of our athletes, won two gold medals and two competitor ribbons at one competition. But he only wore the ribbons to the final dinner. He just liked them better. " 

For many, the joy of competing and giving their best takes center stage.. "It’s always so nice to greet them at the finish line when they’ve made it and are beaming", says the coach. For him, there are countless goosebump moments in disabled sport. "What impresses me most is the physical and mental performance and the honest joy they show. Our athletes are authentic and tangible. Warm and honest. "

We wish Mathias and all the athletes every success at the Special Olympics in Turin! You can find more information about the Winter Games here!