Press Conference sets the stage for the 60th CISM World Military Cross Country Championship 2026
TRIKALA (GRE) - On Friday, 27 February 2026, a press conference was held at the Conference Hall of the Regional Council of Thessaly ahead of the 60th CISM World Military Cross Country Championship, which will take place on Sunday, 1 March 2026, at the Skamnies Sports Center in Pigi, Municipality of Pyli, Trikala.
The Championship will bring together military athletes from 38 CISM Member Nations, marking the opening World Championship of the 2026 CISM sports calendar.
The Regional Governor of Thessaly, Mr. Dimitrios Kouretas, emphasized that hosting the Championship fulfills a long-standing regional ambition. He underlined the significant developmental impact of the event, highlighting its contribution to international visibility and to strengthening Thessaly’s position as a destination capable of welcoming high-level international sports delegations.
The President of CISM, Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho (BRA), expressed his satisfaction with the excellent level of preparation and the warm hospitality extended to participating delegations. He noted that Greece, as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, occupies a unique place in the history of global sport. He also stressed the symbolic importance of the Championship as the first CISM World Championship of 2026, setting the tone for the year ahead under the CISM motto: “Friendship through Sport.”
The Mayor of Pyli, Mr. Kostas Maravas, referred to the collective effort invested over recent months and praised the close cooperation between the Municipality and the Region of Thessaly. He highlighted that the visiting delegations will act as international ambassadors for the region.
The Vice President of SEGAS, Mr. Dimitris Chachamis, commended the effective collaboration among all stakeholders — the Region of Thessaly, the Municipality of Pyli, SEGAS, ASEED, and the competent service authorities — and acknowledged the essential role of judges, coaches, medical teams, and volunteers in ensuring the smooth delivery of the event.
The Deputy Regional Governor of Trikala, Ms. Chrysa Dinti, reaffirmed the region’s readiness to host a world-class competition meeting the highest organizational standards.
Captain (HN ret.) Spyridon Andriopoulos, President of the Organizing Committee and Head of the Hellenic Delegation to CISM, underlined the strong unity among all partners and invited citizens to attend the competition and support the military athletes competing at the highest international level.
The official Championship website provides all relevant information for participants and visitors:https://60cism-wmccc.org/
Useful Links:
- Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aHneo9XXCDZhZQnUA
- Livestreaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=aQGwlDvFgBA
(Source: Hellenic Delegation to CISM)
