May 2, 2006

We're proud to announce the launch of Swiss Roots, a new online community built to bring together people with Swiss connections__through their heritage, their hometowns, or just their interests__to share stories and build friendships. At Swiss Roots, you'll be able to: Research your Swiss genealogy Find out about Swiss events in your area and beyond Plan your own trip to Switzerland What's more, just by signing up for the Swiss Roots newsletter, you'll be automatically entered in our current sweepstakes to win two round-trip tickets to Switzerland. Register for Swiss Roots Sign Up for the Swiss Roots Newsletter

Ben Roethlisberger Goes Swiss Swiss Roots Interviews Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger For this month's Swiss celebrity interview, we talked with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger about winning the Super Bowl, becoming the “face” of Switzerland, and finally exploring his Swiss roots. Here's a sneak peek: Swiss Roots: The Swiss media is writing more and more about American football, in part because of you. How does that make you feel? Ben Roethlisberger: It's awesome that I can help spread the love of football that America has to other people who don't get to experience it. Hopefully, people will start to pick up on it more over there and enjoy it as much as we do. Swiss Roots: How much do you know about your Swiss heritage? Ben Roethlisberger: I recently started feeling it out a little more. Now, when people ask me where I'm from, I'm quick to say, "Well, I'm Swiss." I'm sure I have a lot of things in me, but that's one of the things I tell people__that I'm Swiss. Read the rest of the interview Read About Ben's First Trip to Switzerland From May 6–May 11, Ben will embark on the journey of a lifetime, traveling to Switzerland to uncover his family's ancestry in the Bernese Emmental region (the cheese capital of Switzerland). Highlights of his trip will include: Mai National Football League Game Bern Grizzlies vs. Bienna Jets at Bern's Wankdorf Leichtathletikstadion Welcome Home Party in Lauperswil, Bernese Emmental Swiss Alpine Wrestling, Emmentaler Cheese Lifting, football with the Swiss National Junior Team, and more What's more, Ben will be giving an exclusive day-by-day account of these and other experiences, featured only at Swiss Roots. Check the Featured Story on the Swiss Roots homepage from May 6–11 to read about every day of his Swiss journey. See Ben's Swiss Roots profile

For over sixty years, Pro Helvetia has been mandated by the Swiss government to support arts and culture within Switzerland and to promote both domestic and international cultural exchange. Its range of activities contributes significantly to Switzerland's standing as a culturally rich, innovative and multi-faceted nation. Learn About Swiss Roots � Cultural Offshoots: USA 2006

All good things come in threes Mix and match three vibrant Swiss cities for 4- and 8-day stays, starting at $499. The major cities of Basel, Bern, and Zurich have much to offer their visitors. Discover for yourself how they have managed to preserve their regional charm. We have chosen Zurich as a base for your day trips. The other cities can be reached within one hour by public transportation. For this itinerary, a 4-day Swiss Pass (1st or 2nd class) will be needed.

The Swiss Experience You've explored Swiss Roots; now it's time to explore your own Swiss roots. With our current promotion, Swiss Ping Pong, we're arranging 3- to 5-day host family stays, including room and board, in the Switzerland region of your choice. Just register for Swiss Ping Pong by September 2006, and we'll be in touch with the details. Register for Swiss Ping Pong Sign Up for the Swiss Roots Newsletter Register for Swiss Roots

This email has been sent to [email]. You have received this email because you are a registered member of Swiss Roots, or because you signed up for Swiss tourism-related newsletters. If you wish to be removed from our distribution list, please unsubscribe. If you have questions, comments, and/or concerns about this message you may send an email to [email protected] or write to: IgoUgo 3150 Sabre Blvd Southlake, TX, 76092, USA.