Brazilian Northeast Military Command strengthens integration through the International Day of Military Sports 2026

RECIFE (BRA) – The dawn in Recife was marked by determined footsteps and the symbolism of unity. On 20 February 2026, the Brazilian Northeast Military Command (Comando Militar do Nordeste) turned the historic Forte dos Guararapes into the stage for the International Day of Military Sports 2026 (Corrida da Paz), bringing together around 570 participants from the military and civilian communities.

More than a sporting activity, the event strengthened institutional integration and celebrated the 78th anniversary of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), which promotes world peace through sport.

The International Day of Military Sports 2026, internationally known as the “CISM Day Run,” was created in 2006 by CISM and is held simultaneously in many countries. The initiative symbolizes the commitment of armed forces worldwide to military diplomacy, international cooperation and the promotion of peace.

By taking part in this global event, the Brazilian Army reaffirmed its alignment with key values such as discipline, esprit de corps and multinational integration. The choice of Forte dos Guararapes, a historic landmark linked to the formation of the Brazilian Army, added strong symbolic meaning to the initiative, connecting past and present in a shared narrative of sovereignty, service and peacebuilding.

From a strategic perspective, Brazil’s active participation in the CISM calendar also reinforces the image of the Brazilian Armed Forces as committed actors in multilateral agendas, strengthening the country’s international presence in the field of military cooperation.

The 2026 edition gathered personnel from the Brazilian Army, Brazilian Navy and Brazilian Air Force, as well as representatives from the Federal Police, Federal Highway Police, Military Police of Pernambuco, Military Fire Department of Pernambuco, and the Municipal Guard of Ipojuca.

This broad institutional participation expanded the reach of the event and strengthened interagency cooperation, an essential element in addressing today’s public security challenges. In an increasingly complex environment, ranging from organized crime to natural disasters, integration between the Armed Forces and civilian agencies has become a clear strategic advantage.

The presence of General Carlos Machado, Commander of the Northeast Military Command, further highlighted the leadership’s commitment to initiatives that build mutual trust between institutions and bring state institutions closer to society.

Held at the “Heróis de Guararapes” Courtyard, the activity also had a meaningful social impact. By bringing together military personnel and civilians, the International Day of Military Sports 2026 fostered institutional dialogue and promoted values such as health, discipline and citizenship.

In this context, sport goes beyond competition. It becomes an instrument of social cohesion and a driver for strengthening regional identity. By hosting an event with international resonance, Brazil’s Northeast region further positioned itself within the global CISM framework, demonstrating both organizational capacity and strategic relevance.

In a global landscape marked by tensions and conflicts, initiatives such as the International Day of Military Sports 2026 reaffirm the role of military institutions not only as guarantors of sovereignty, but also as promoters of stability, integration and development.

(Source and pictures: www.defesaemfoco.com.br)