The big celebration of the CERN Staff Association’s 70^th anniversary is fast approaching!

As announced in the latest edition of the ECHO, the 53^rd edition of the Relay Race organized by the CERN Running Club will take place on 14 May 2025, with the first start at 12:15 p.m. This sport event will be followed by a special celebration for the 70^th anniversary of the Staff Association (SA), continuing until 4:00 p.m.

To mark this occasion, the Staff Association is delighted to invite all members of personnel (employees and associates), their families, and our retired colleagues (GAC-EPA) to take part in this big celebration:

Join us on the esplanade in front of the Restaurant 1 (Meyrin site) between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

We have planned plenty of activities and surprises for you:

• The large stage from the commune of Ferney-Voltaire will host: A professional DJ who will kick off the event by energizing the relay race, then two bands from the CERN Music Club, The Chilipinos and Velvet Echo, for an afternoon filled with music and friendly vibes.
• The Sambaloelek association, with its drummers and dancers, will get you moving to vibrant Afro-Brazilian rhythms for an unforgettable festive moment.
• On the lawn in front of Restaurant 1, the Forum will showcase a wide variety of CERN Clubs [1] and Staff Association partners [2]. Each stand will offer original activities and captivating demonstrations suitable for all ages.
• Food and drink stalls, run by Novae, the CERN Fire Brigade Association, and the AGLUP, will offer a delicious and varied selection.
• Every member of the Staff Association can already pick up a voucher worth 30 CHF at the SA secretariat (64/R-010), to be used at food and drink stalls on the day of the event.
• The highly anticipated Staff Association Tombola will give you the chance to win numerous prizes donated by our partners (theme park tickets, sports equipment, sports camps, paragliding sessions, etc.)

Access, Traffic & Parking:

Anyone wishing to attend must have valid access to the CERN site (standard or visitor access card).

Parking will be available (except the Cèdres parking lot, which will be closed for the day).

Traffic on site will be disrupted due to the race — please exercise caution, especially during race times:

• 12:00–13:30 – Closure of Route Marie Curie
• 13:30–16:00 – Closure of Route Bohr
• From 13:30, Gate A will also be closed for entry but will remain open for exit.

As you can see, your Staff Association representatives have prepared a warm, festive afternoon tailored for you and your families. So mark your calendars and come in large numbers to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of your Association!

[1] CERN Clubs: Visual Arts, Astronomy, Basketball, Canoe-Kayak, Climbing, Croquet, Golf, Board Games, Micro-Club, Model Making, Nature and Bees, Rugby, Touch Rugby, Running, Softball, Table Tennis, Welcome Club, LGBTQIA+ Group

[2] Partners: GAC-EPA (CERN Alumni Group), Jardin des Particules, Alta Lumina Les Gets, BCGE, CAGI, Espace des Lys, InterSoccer, InterSport Val Thoiry, New Bike Store Geneva/Bernex, Sur un nuage (paragliding school), Théâtre le Bordeau, UCPA VITAM