CISM President strengthens ties with veteran community at European Parachuting Championship in Spain

ALCANTARILLA (ESP) – The President of the International Military Sports Council, Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, attended the closing ceremony of the European Union of Veteran Paratroopers (UEP) Parachuting Championship, held jointly with the Spanish National Military Championship from 19 to 25 April 2026 at the Military Parachuting School and Alcantarilla Air Force Base.

The event, organized by the Spanish Air and Space Force in cooperation with the European Union of Veteran Paratroopers and the Spanish Delegation to CISM, marked an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between active military sport structures and the veteran community.

A high-level attendance at the closing ceremony reflected the importance of the event, including Major General Juan Cifuentes Álvarez, Executive President of the UEP, Lieutenant General José García Sifo, Vice President of the Central Board of Sports in the Air and Space Force, Colonel José Ignacio Sanchez-Heredero, Commander of the Alcantarilla Air Base and Director of the Military Parachuting School, Colonel Pedro Díaz Herrero, Secretary General of the Central Board of Sports, and Colonel Pierre Camarda, Secretary General of the UEP.

During the championship, competitions featured both veteran and active military participants, including accuracy events for veterans and accuracy and formation disciplines for the Spanish military, highlighting the technical excellence and operational precision that define military parachuting.

In his closing speech, Colonel Nilton Rolim praised the exceptional organization of the event and emphasized its deeper significance for CISM. He underlined that parachuting is unique within the CISM sports programme due to its enduring connection with veterans, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service and shared values. “This championship represents an important milestone. It is the first event that brings CISM closer to the veteran community, strengthening ties and our heritage from the past to the present,” he stated.

The CISM President highlighted that the values forged during military service continue far beyond active duty, remaining deeply embedded in the minds and bodies of paratroopers throughout their lives. He stressed that by embracing and valuing veterans, CISM reinforces its foundations, preserves institutional knowledge, and inspires future generations.

Colonel Nilton Rolim also commended the Military Parachuting School and the personnel of the Alcantarilla Air Force Base for creating an atmosphere of unity and excellence throughout the competition. The event demonstrated a strong model of cooperation between military institutions and veteran organizations, opening new opportunities for future collaboration.

Closing his address with the traditional parachutist spirit, he declared: “Once a paratrooper, always a paratrooper,” before reaffirming the core mission of CISM: “Friendship through Sport.”

This championship not only showcased high-level sporting performance but also reinforced the unique role of military sport as a bridge between generations, strengthening bonds of solidarity, respect, and shared identity across the global military community.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)