CISM delegation advances preparations in Charlotte with comprehensive venue inspections for 2027 Military World Games

CHARLOTTE (USA) – A high-level delegation from the International Military Sports Council conducted an extensive coordination visit to Charlotte and across the Carolinas from 12 to 17 April 2026, marking a major milestone in the preparations for the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games.

Led by the CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim and Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, the delegation included Presidents of CISM Sports Committees (PCSCs), members of the CISM Headquarters, and technical experts, working closely with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to assess operational readiness and validate competition venues.

This strategic visit combined high-level coordination meetings with an intensive series of venue inspections across multiple cities and sites that will host competitions during the Games.

Over five days, the delegation reviewed a wide range of world-class facilities, reflecting the scale and diversity of the event, which is expected to bring together more than 10,000 athletes from over 140 nations. Sports venues inspected included major complexes such as the Spectrum Center for combat sports, Mecklenburg Aquatic Center for lifesaving, Bojangles Coliseum for taekwondo and wrestling, and Matthews Sportsplex for football, as well as iconic and specialized sites like the Whitewater Center for outdoor disciplines and Hyatt Farms for shooting .

The program also extended beyond Charlotte, with key visits to The Citadel and Patriots Point in South Carolina, where military-specific and endurance disciplines such as pentathlon, triathlon, sailing and open water swimming will take place. These inspections allowed PCSCs and technical delegates to evaluate competition conditions, logistics, athlete flow, and compliance with international standards.

In parallel to the technical assessments, coordination sessions addressed essential operational topics including visa procedures, medical services, and overall Games planning, ensuring alignment between CISM and the LOC on all critical aspects of delivery .

A key highlight of the visit was the engagement with academic and medical partners of the Games. The CISM President delivered a lecture at VCOM (Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine), one of the partners of the 2027 Military World Games, emphasizing the importance of research, innovation and medical support in elite military sport. The visit to VCOM further strengthened collaboration in areas such as athlete health, performance monitoring and scientific research, which will play a crucial role in the successful delivery of the Games.

Speaking during the visit, President Colonel Nilton Rolim highlighted the significance of the project, underlining both the quality of the infrastructure and the spirit of collaboration observed throughout the week. He emphasized that the Games represent more than just sport, reinforcing CISM’s mission of “Friendship through Sport” by bringing military personnel together in a spirit of peace and unity.

The visit also included key moments of engagement with local stakeholders, including a welcome reception and attendance at sporting events, further strengthening ties between CISM and the host region.

As noted by local organizers, the visit represents a foundational step in the delivery process. With venue validations progressing and coordination mechanisms firmly in place, the focus now shifts toward operational execution and continued collaboration in the lead-up to the Games.

The 8th CISM Military World Summer Games, scheduled to take place from 25 June to 4 July 2027 in the Carolinas, will mark the first time the event is hosted in the United States, opening a new chapter in the history of CISM and further expanding its global reach.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)