CISM Board of Directors concludes first meeting of 2026 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA (ESP) – The International Military Sports Council (CISM) Board of Directors completed its first meeting of 2026 on 17 February in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, closing three days of discussions dedicated to governance, finance, development and the future direction of military sport.

The day began with the traditional opening procedures and approval of the working arrangements. Prior to the continuation of the formal agenda, the Swiss delegation presented its report following the CISM Games organized in Switzerland in March 2025, reviewing the organization, operational experience and legacy of the event while sharing lessons learned for future hosts.

The Board then proceeded with institutional and financial matters including the report of the Treasurer General, determination of the 2027 annual fee and review of the 2027 budget proposal as well as the allocation framework related to the organization of the 8th Military World Summer Games.

Reports from CISM commissions followed throughout the late morning and early afternoon. The Finance and Budget Commission presented its assessment while the Strategy Commission introduced the reviewed CISM Strategic Plan 2024–2028. The Women in CISM Commission, the Sports Commission and the Parasport Working Group provided updates on ongoing initiatives, development objectives and inclusion policies within military sport. Additional presentations from the Solidarity Commission and the Sports Science Commission highlighted support programmes and scientific approaches aimed at improving athlete performance and welfare across member nations.

The session concluded with miscellaneous matters and final considerations before the closing address of CISM President, Colonel Nilton Rolim, who emphasized the importance of cohesion among member nations and the continuous evolution of the organization to meet future challenges in international military sport. The President also expressed his sincere appreciation to the members of the Board of Directors for their commitment and constructive work, and conveyed special thanks to the Local Organizing Committee and the Spanish Delegation to CISM for the excellent organization and hospitality throughout the meeting.

The meeting officially ended with the closing ceremony and gala dinner, marking the conclusion of the first CISM Board of Directors Meeting of 2026 and reaffirming the shared commitment of all participants to the spirit of Friendship through Sport. On 18 February, a cultural day brought together the Board of Directors members and the Spanish Delegation to CISM for a hike in the mountains of Gran Canaria, celebrating both the 78th anniversary of the creation of CISM and the 75th anniversary of Spain joining the organization.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)