Interview with Commander Nicolas Ferré, New CISM Sports Director

 

BRUSSELS (BEL) - As he officially takes the helm of the CISM Sports Department, Commander Nicolas Ferré shares his vision, values, and priorities for the future of military sports. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on his journey, outlines his ambitions, and reaffirms his commitment to strengthening CISM’s mission through humility, teamwork, and determination.

 

"With humility, determination, and a united team, we will achieve our goals."

 

Commander, first of all, congratulations on your appointment. What does this new role at CISM mean to you?

 

Nicolas Ferré (NF): "Thank you very much. This appointment is, above all, a strong mark of trust, both from my superiors who entrusted me with this responsibility and from my teammates and subordinates, whose loyalty and support mean a great deal to me. It’s a valuable opportunity to contribute, humbly but with determination, to such a prestigious institution as CISM."

 

You officially assumed the role of Sports Director on 1 June 2025 at CISM Headquarters in Brussels, after previously working within the Sports Department. What were your first impressions upon joining the General Secretariat in 2024?

 

NF: "From the outset, I felt a deep sense of ambition, strong motivation, and mutual respect among all the staff working at HQ in Brussels. I was warmly welcomed into what truly feels like a family, which immediately fostered a motivating and positive working environment."

 

Could you tell us more about your professional and sporting background prior to joining CISM?

 

NF: "After completing my studies in sports sciences, I joined the French Army’s Troupes de Marine, following a traditional officer's career path. Over the first 15 years, I held various operational roles, including platoon leader, deputy officer, unit commander, and staff officer in field units.

 

In the second half of my career, my civilian qualifications enabled me to move into the military sports sector. I was first appointed head of the department for military sports practice and performance, and later became the technical director for military sports in France. In that role, I oversaw elite athletes within the Defence sector, rehabilitation through sports for wounded soldiers, national and international military championships, and the management of the French military teams."

 

How has your military and sports experience in France prepared you for this new international challenge?

 

NF: "My operational background instilled in me military discipline, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to leadership based on fairness and integrity. My time in the military sports sector helped me navigate budgetary and diplomatic challenges. Having organized eight World Military Championships, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of close collaboration with sports federations and institutional or private partners, very similar to the CISM ecosystem."

 

In your opinion, what are the main challenges currently facing the development of military sports globally?

 

NF: "One of the primary challenges is to preserve and sustain over 20 major international events annually, moments that allow military personnel from around the world to share experiences and build lasting bonds through sport. These competitions strengthen already strong ties among participants, united by mutual respect.

 

Beyond these flagship events, we must continue developing solidarity-based initiatives, support wounded service members through sports, and deepen our collaboration with international sports federations."

 

What will be your top priorities over the coming months as Sports Director?

 

NF: "My predecessor left behind an excellent foundation, which I intend to respect, build upon, and if necessary, adapt. My key priorities include:

• Maintaining the existing momentum in CISM competitions
• Strengthening coordination and pragmatic planning in event organization
• Expanding our Peace Through Sport and solidarity actions"

 

Commandant Nicolas Ferré, from France, in the middle

 

How do you plan to enhance cooperation with Member Nations to improve the organization of competitions and the Games?

NF: "Collaboration with Member Nations is already excellent. I intend to maintain open communication, anticipate needs whenever possible, and propose planning that is both realistic and inspiring."

 

With such a full CISM calendar, how can you ensure the quality of events while also promoting inclusivity for countries with limited resources?

 

NF: "The guiding principle for all our actions should be sport first. I’m fortunate to work with exceptionally talented PCSCs (CISM Sports Committee Presidents), whom I trust completely. It is unacceptable to host an event where sporting conditions are not fully met. That’s their area of expertise, and I support them entirely.

 

At the same time, sport is about both winning and learning. But beyond results, it’s the environment that matters. Even nations with limited resources or less experience can create powerful moments of camaraderie. What truly counts is friendship among soldiers. And for that, athletes need very little, just a warm atmosphere and sincere human connections.

 

Inclusivity will naturally grow through both traditional and emerging sports."

 

CISM promotes peace and solidarity through sport. How do you plan to continue supporting these values?

 

NF: "This is one of CISM’s core missions, and I fully intend to plan structured, impactful programs in this area. By partnering with solid sports federations and involving seasoned experts and elite athletes, we can share knowledge, techniques, and tangible support with developing nations or those aiming to advance in certain disciplines.

 

With the rapid evolution of international sport, particularly around professionalism, technology, and fairness, how can military sport remain attractive and relevant?
Military sport will remain attractive through the quality of our events, the communication power of CISM and its member nations, and the athletic level of military competitors. Its relevance lies in maintaining our identity: discipline, rigor, and mutual respect.

 

During a World Military Championship, even protocol moments offer opportunities to reaffirm our values. This is what distinguishes us from the civilian world and must be preserved, especially when soldiers from across the globe come together under the CISM banner."

 

What message would you like to send to the Chiefs of Delegation and sports officials from the Member Nations?

 

NF: "I want to express my deep gratitude for their continued support, whether by organizing competitions or providing personnel. Without them, CISM would not be where it is today.

 

The Sports Department, and CISM more broadly, will continue to invest its energy and resources into achieving our shared goals. This mutual trust can only thrive through open and honest relationships."

 

Finally, do you have a personal motto or message you’d like to share with the CISM community?

 

NF: "Who can do more, can do more. Whether on the battlefield or the sports field, the objective remains the same: victory. And victory often comes when the mission is accomplished.

 

Here at CISM, our mission is clear: to promote friendship among soldiers and unite armed forces personnel from all nations through sports, supporting physical training, military readiness, and education. The means remain the same: a solid plan, a committed team, good ideas, and hard work.
Everything is in place. Now it’s time for results."

 

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)