Palestinian Military Sports Federation marks International Day of Military Sports 2026 with national running race in Jericho and the Jordan Valley

JERICHO AND THE JORDAN VALLEY (PLE) – The Palestinian Military Sports Federation organized a National Running Race in the Governorate of Jericho and the Jordan Valley to mark the International Day of Military Sports 2026, delivering a major national event that reflected pride, unity and strong institutional partnership between the military establishment and civil society.

The race brought together broad participation from military and civilian universities, public schools, and all branches of the security forces and national security services in the State of Palestine. The event was organized in cooperation with the Military Training Authority, the Palestinian Athletics Federation, and the Palestinian Motorsport and Motorcycle Federation.

Held under the enduring CISM motto, “Friendship Through Sport,” the event highlighted the values promoted by the International Military Sports Council (CISM), one of the world’s largest multidisciplinary sports organizations and a global platform dedicated to peace, solidarity and mutual understanding among armed forces through sport.

In his opening address, Colonel Dr. Maen Barakat, President of the Palestinian Military Sports Federation, expressed his pride in belonging to the CISM family. He emphasized that CISM is not only an international sports organization, but also a humanitarian and values-based institution that has, for decades, advanced friendship, solidarity, respect and peaceful coexistence among nations.

Colonel Barakat also praised CISM’s leading role in building bridges of communication between armed forces worldwide and in promoting a culture of peace through fair and honorable competition. He noted that Palestine’s active engagement within CISM reflects a firm commitment to international military sports cooperation.

He further underlined that organizing the race under the banner “Friendship Through Sport” represented a practical expression of CISM’s philosophy, as military personnel, civilians and students came together in one unified national scene, demonstrating that sport is a universal language capable of transcending borders and bringing people together.

The event was attended by senior military and civilian officials, underlining the strategic importance of military sport within the national framework. The opening ceremony included a disciplined motorcycle parade, followed by the official start of the race from the Central Training Institute, in an atmosphere marked by patriotism, discipline and unity.

In his closing remarks, Colonel Dr. Maen Barakat renewed his appreciation for the International Military Sports Council and all CISM member nations, wishing them continued progress and prosperity. He reaffirmed that Palestine will remain an active and committed partner in international military sports forums, proudly carrying the message of friendship and peace and affirming sport’s enduring role as a bridge for human connection and constructive cooperation among nations.

(Source and pictures: Palestinian Delegation to CISM)