CISM and Hellenic Paralympic Committee strengthen dialogue on the future development of Para Sport

BRUSSELS (BEL) – The International Military Sports Council (CISM) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusion and strengthening the development of Para Sport through a high-level meeting held at the CISM Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on 20 May 2026 with the President of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee, Mr. Georgios Kapellakis.

The meeting, which took place in the presence of CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Sports Director Lieutenant Colonel Nicolas Ferré and CISM Academic Director Commander Florentia Sfakianou, provided an important opportunity to exchange views on the future evolution of Para Sport within both military and civilian environments and to identify potential areas of collaboration for the benefit of the international Para Sport community.

As Para Sport continues to gain visibility and importance worldwide, discussions focused on the role CISM can play in contributing to its growth and further integration into military sport structures. Participants emphasized the importance of creating opportunities that encourage participation, visibility and support for military Para athletes while promoting inclusion and equal opportunities through sport.

One of the key subjects addressed during the meeting was the continued integration of Para Sport within CISM activities and long-term strategic objectives. In this regard, particular attention was given to the inclusion of Para Sport disciplines within the sport programme of the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games, scheduled to take place in the Carolinas, United States, in 2027. This milestone represents a significant step forward for military sport and demonstrates CISM’s determination to continue expanding opportunities for athletes of all abilities.

The exchange also highlighted the common values and objectives shared by military and civilian Para Sport communities. Discussions explored existing practices, experiences and initiatives developed in both environments, identifying numerous similarities in their missions and challenges. The participants recognized that stronger interaction and closer cooperation between military and civilian structures could provide valuable benefits in areas such as athlete development, visibility, education and the sharing of expertise.

Throughout the meeting, both parties expressed a mutual interest in examining concrete opportunities for future cooperation and identified several possible pathways to support the continued development of Para Sport. Such collaboration could contribute not only to strengthening participation and awareness but also to creating a broader and more connected Para Sport network at an international level.

The meeting further emphasized the growing importance of partnerships and knowledge-sharing in building a more inclusive sporting environment. Through collaboration with organizations active in the Para Sport movement, CISM continues to reinforce its mission of promoting sport as a tool for friendship, solidarity and mutual understanding.

In line with the CISM motto, “Friendship through Sport,” the meeting reflected a shared ambition to contribute positively to the development of Para Sport and to ensure that future generations of athletes benefit from greater opportunities, stronger cooperation and a more inclusive sporting landscape.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)