Military Sports Commission of Brazil celebrates 70 years of excellence and leadership
BRASÍLIA (BRA) – The Military Sports Commission of Brazil (CDMB) celebrated the 70th anniversary of its creation on 6 March 2026 with a commemorative ceremony held at the Brazilian Ministry of Defense in Brasília, marking seven decades of dedication to military sport, high performance and international cooperation.
The event gathered senior civil and military authorities, including Dr Idervânio da Silva Costa, Secretary of Personnel, Health, Sports and Social Projects (SEPESD); Dr Oswaldo Gomes dos Reis Junior, Assistant Secretary of SEPESD; Lieutenant General Paulo Afonso Bruno de Melo, President of the CDMB and Director of the Military Sports Department; and Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM).
Founded on 27 February 1956 by Decree No. 38,778, the institution originally operated under the name Armed Forces Sports Commission before evolving into the Brazilian Military Sports Commission, officially adopting its current designation in 1976. Since then, the CDMB has served as the central body responsible for planning, coordinating and directing military sport across the Brazilian Navy, Army and Air Force.
During the commemorative ceremony, Lieutenant General Paulo Afonso Bruno de Melo highlighted the historical significance of the institution and the role it plays in linking military readiness with sport and international cooperation: “CDMB is the institution that consolidates, within the Brazilian Armed Forces, the union between high-performance sport, the military spirit, the scientific contribution of sport to operational capability, and friendship through sport.”
Throughout its history, the CDMB has played a decisive role in strengthening physical readiness and sporting culture within the Brazilian Armed Forces while projecting Brazil’s sporting excellence onto the international stage. Guided by the CISM motto “Friendship through Sport,” Brazil has consistently demonstrated how sport can build bridges between armed forces, promote solidarity among nations and contribute to peace through shared values of discipline, respect and teamwork.
Brazil has long been an active and influential member of the CISM family. Having joined the organization in 1954, the country has contributed significantly to the development of military sport and continues to play a leading role in its global governance. Today, this commitment is reflected in Brazil holding the Presidency of CISM, reinforcing its dedication to strengthening cooperation and unity among the armed forces of the world.
The impact of Brazil’s military sports system is also visible at the highest level of international competition. Over the decades, 53 Brazilian military athletes have become Olympic medalists, illustrating the strong synergy between military training, elite sport and national representation.
Reflecting on this legacy, Lt Gen Paulo Afonso paid tribute to the generations of people who contributed to building Brazil’s military sports movement: “Each chapter of our history was written through the efforts of our athletes, instructors, coaches, referees and managers - men and women who transformed sport into an instrument of diplomacy, peace and social integration.”
Innovation and inclusion also remain central pillars of Brazil’s military sports strategy. Through initiatives such as the High Performance Athlete Incorporation Program (PAAR), which today includes hundreds of military athletes, and the continued development of military parasport programs, the Brazilian Armed Forces are expanding opportunities for athletes while reinforcing sport as a powerful instrument for social integration, resilience and national pride.
Concluding the ceremony, Lt Gen Paulo Afonso emphasized the importance of the anniversary not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a commitment to the future of military sport: “Celebrating the 70 years of the CDMB means looking to the past with respect, to the present with gratitude, and to the future with hope.”
As Brazil commemorates this milestone, the Military Sports Commission of Brazil reaffirms its mission to strengthen cooperation between the Armed Forces, support elite athletes and continue promoting the ideals of “Friendship through Sport” within the global CISM community.
(Source: Brazilian Delegation to CISM)
