CISM honours military leadership and academic excellence at the Opening of OLIMPIEx 2026
BRASÍLIA (BRA) – The International Military Sports Council (CISM) celebrated military leadership, service and academic excellence during the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Brazilian Army Games (OLIMPIEx), held in Brasília. The prestigious ceremony provided an opportunity to recognize distinguished personalities whose commitment has significantly contributed to the development of military sport and the promotion of CISM’s values.
Representing the International Military Sports Council, CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim presented the CISM Order of Merit (Knight Grade) to Lieutenant General Décio dos Santos Brasil, Major General Sérgio José Pereira, Colonel Arthur Telles Cramer Ribeiro, Colonel Alfredo Ferreira dos Santos Filho and First Lieutenant Luis Fernando Sper Cavalli in recognition of their outstanding dedication to military sport and their unwavering commitment to strengthening cooperation within the international military community.
The CISM Order of Merit is the Organization's highest distinction and is awarded to individuals whose exemplary leadership, service and commitment have made a lasting contribution to the development of military sport while promoting friendship, solidarity and mutual understanding among the Armed Forces of CISM’s 142 Member Nations.
The ceremony also marked another important milestone as Professor PhD Runer Augusto Marson was officially admitted as a member of the CISM Academy of Sport Sciences. This distinction recognizes his outstanding scientific contributions to the field of Sport Sciences and his future role in supporting the advancement of military sport through research, innovation and education. As a member of the Academy, Professor Marson joins an international network of distinguished scholars dedicated to promoting scientific excellence for the benefit of military sport worldwide.
The event brought together numerous civil and military authorities, including Lieutenant General João Felipe Dias Alves, Commander of the Planalto Military Command, and Major General Richard Wallace Scott Murray, Commander of the Brazilian Army Physical Training Center, highlighting the importance of OLIMPIEx as one of the Brazilian Army’s flagship sporting events.
In his keynote address, Colonel Nilton Rolim emphasized that military sport extends far beyond athletic competition and plays a fundamental role in preparing servicemen and women for their operational duties while fostering peace and cooperation among nations:"Military sport develops the same qualities that define an outstanding soldier: discipline, courage, resilience, teamwork and leadership. These values strengthen operational readiness while bringing our Armed Forces closer together through friendship and mutual respect."
Colonel Nilton Rolim also underlined the complementary significance of the two distinctions presented during the ceremony:"Today we celebrate two essential pillars of military sport. The Order of Merit recognizes exemplary service and leadership, while membership in the CISM Academy honours scientific excellence and innovation. Together, they demonstrate that the future of military sport is built by those who serve with dedication and by those who expand knowledge for the benefit of all our Member Nations."
Looking ahead, Colonel Nilton Rolim encouraged the athletes participating in OLIMPIEx 2026 to embrace the values of fair play, excellence and camaraderie throughout the competition. He reminded them that the true measure of success lies not only in victory, but in giving their very best, respecting their opponents and honouring the principles of fair play. He also expressed his hope that many of the competitors would earn the opportunity to represent Brazil at the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games, to be held from 25 June to 4 July 2027 in North Carolina and South Carolina, United States.
Concluding his address with CISM's motto, "Friendship through Sport!", Colonel Nilton Rolim reaffirmed that military sport remains one of the most effective instruments for developing leadership, strengthening mutual trust among Armed Forces and promoting peace through international military cooperation.
By recognizing distinguished military leaders alongside an outstanding academic during the same ceremony, CISM once again reaffirmed its enduring commitment to promoting Friendship through Sport, strengthening military cooperation, advancing scientific knowledge and contributing to peace among nations through the universal language of sport.
(Source: Brazilian Delegation to CISM)
