Luxembourg Chief of Defense engages with CISM on future cooperation
BRUSSELS (BEL) – The International Military Sports Council (CISM) Headquarters in Brussels welcomed a distinguished delegation from Luxembourg on May 27, in a visit that blended strategic dialogue with inspiring athletic legacy. The visitors included General Steve Thull, Chief of Defense of the Luxembourg Armed Forces, Lieutenant Audrey Gérard, Assistant to the Chief of Defense, and Lieutenant Christine Majerus, elite cyclist and former World Military Championship medalist.
The delegation was received by CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, who expressed his appreciation for Luxembourg’s continuous engagement in military sports and its unwavering support for CISM's mission of "Friendship through Sport."
Luxembourg holds a proud and longstanding place in the history of CISM. As one of the five founding member nations of the Council in 1948, Luxembourg has been actively shaping the military sports movement for over 75 years. This legacy of leadership and engagement was further underscored in 1973, when His Royal Highness Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg was awarded CISM Honorary Membership on the occasion of the CISM Board of Directors meeting held in Luxembourg in March of that year. Another key figure in Luxembourg’s contribution to CISM was former Secretary General Lieutenant Colonel François Pilot, whose tenure (1989-1997) significantly reinforced the country’s commitment and influence within the organization.
The visit also celebrated the rich athletic history of the Luxembourg Armed Forces within the CISM framework, highlighting the distinguished sporting backgrounds of the delegation members. General Steve Thull is himself a proud CISM athlete, having represented Luxembourg as a triathlete at the 1st CISM Military World Summer Games in Rome (ITA) in 1995. Various members of Luxembourg’s armed forces competed as cross-country runners at the 5th CISM Military World Games 2025 in Lucerne, showcasing the continued commitment of Luxembourg’s military to international competition.
Adding to this legacy, Lieutenant Christine Majerus, a celebrated figure in both military and civilian cycling, stood out as a symbol of dedication and excellence. She notably clinched second place at the 23rd World Military Cycling Championship held in Belgium in 2013, proudly representing her nation. Her continued athletic success and commitment to service make her a true role model within the CISM community and beyond.
In his address during the visit, General Thull underscored the vital role of physical readiness and athletic engagement in shaping a resilient and operationally effective military force. He emphasized that “physical fitness is not only a foundation for individual soldier performance, but also a pillar of collective operational strength, unity, and morale. Military sport plays a critical role in fostering discipline, endurance, and camaraderie, qualities essential on and off the battlefield.”
This official visit served as an opportunity to strengthen ties between CISM and the Luxembourg Armed Forces, with discussions focusing on Luxembourg’s future involvement in CISM competitions and events and strategic cooperation in upcoming Championships.
“This visit underlines the importance of building bridges between sport, defense, and international cooperation,” said Navy Captain Recchia. “We are honored to host General Thull and his delegation and reaffirm our shared commitment to promoting peace and solidarity through military sport.”
The day concluded with a tour of the CISM Headquarters and a fruitful exchange on the future of military sports development in Luxembourg, with a shared ambition to inspire the next generation of military athletes.
As CISM continues to look ahead toward its upcoming global events, such visits remain a cornerstone in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the worldwide network of armed forces through sport.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Tatiana Cardoso)
