Opening Ceremony of the 60th CISM World Military Cross Country Championship 2026
TRIKALA (GRE) – On Saturday, 28 February 2026, the 60th CISM World Military Cross Country Championship was officially inaugurated during a solemn and dignified Opening Ceremony held at the premises of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) in Trikala, Greece.
The Championship was formally declared open by the Chief of Staff of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), Air Vice Marshal (P) Konstantinos Bouzos, representing the Chief of HNDGS, General Dimitrios Choupis, underscoring the strong institutional support of the Hellenic Armed Forces for this major international military sporting event.
The ceremony gathered distinguished civil and military authorities, reflecting the high-level importance of the Championship. Among those present were the Regional Governor of Thessaly, Mr. Dimitrios Kouretas; Members of Parliament of the Trikala Regional Unit; the Ambassador of Algeria; the President of CISM, Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho; the CISM Secretary General, Captain (N) Roberto Recchia; representatives of the Chiefs of the General Staffs of the Hellenic Armed Forces and the Headquarters of the Hellenic Security Forces; the Mayor of Trikala, Mr. Nikolaos Sakkas; the Mayor of Pyli, Mr. Konstantinos Maravas; the Commander of the NCOA, Brigadier General Konstantinos Kottakos; as well as representatives of local and military authorities and the Heads of Delegations of the 38 participating CISM Member Nations.
Their presence highlighted the spirit of solidarity, mutual respect and international comradeship that defines CISM competitions and strengthens cooperation among Armed Forces worldwide.
By hosting the 60th edition of this prestigious Championship, Greece reaffirms the active role of the Hellenic Armed Forces in promoting sport, discipline, fair play and international collaboration. The event also showcases the Region of Thessaly as a capable and dynamic host of major international military sporting events.
As athletes prepare to compete at the Skamnies Sports Center, the Championship stands not only as a test of endurance and excellence, but also as a living expression of CISM’s enduring motto "Friendship through Sport".
Useful Links:
- Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aHneo9XXCDZhZQnUA
- Livestreaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=aQGwlDvFgBA
(Source: Hellenic Delegation to CISM)
