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

LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA (ESP) – The International Military Sports Council (CISM) Board of Directors opened its first meeting of 2026 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, bringing together the organization’s leadership to review activities, define priorities and prepare the upcoming sporting cycle. The meeting is taking place over three working days, with the first two sessions held on 15 and 16 February.

The opening day began with the official ceremony followed by the welcome address of CISM President, Colonel Nilton Rolim, who highlighted the importance of unity and continuity in the development of military sport and underlined the role of the Board in guiding the organization through the current cycle of major events. Administrative procedures followed including roll call, approval of the agenda and review of previous decisions.

CISM Secretary General, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, then presented the operational overview of the organization, reporting on activities conducted across the CISM structure and coordination with member nations and organizing committees. Continental Vice-Presidents from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe provided regional updates reflecting the global dynamism of military sport.

Strategic and governance topics occupied a large part of the session. The Board of Directors discussed the Standard Operating Procedures for Board meetings, preparations for the 2026 elections, the statutory calendar and institutional matters including honorary distinctions and administrative correspondence. Academic and educational initiatives were also reviewed, including the Wise Pen Advisory Panel, International Olympic Academy representation and the first series of the CISM Executive Course. The day concluded with the headquarters departments’ report and a closing address from the President.

The second session focused on sport development and the future of major CISM events. Discussions opened with the 2027–2028 sports calendar, the five-year planning framework and approval of the 2025 CISM Athlete of the Year. Directors also reviewed support programmes, regulatory updates and anti doping assessment, reaffirming CISM’s commitment to fair play and integrity in military sport.

The Media and Communication Department presented an overview of social media visibility and communication results as well as perspectives regarding media cooperation and promotion strategies. A significant part of the day was dedicated to the upcoming Games cycle. The Board examined the status of the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games 2027, the solidarity travel plan and the Fair Play Trophy concept. Updates were also provided regarding the 5th CISM Military World Cadet Games 2026 including age categories. During the same session, following the presentation of the Qatari delegation, the Board of Directors approved the candidature of Qatar, which now becomes the official host nation of the Special Edition of the 9th CISM Military World Summer Games 2029.

The Board of Directors continues its work in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with further strategic and financial discussions scheduled for the final day. The meeting forms part of CISM’s continuous governance process aimed at strengthening international military sport and reinforcing the organization’s mission of Friendship through Sport.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)