CISM concludes third and final Board of Directors Meeting of 2026 in South Africa
PRETORIA (RSA) – The International Military Sports Council (CISM) successfully concluded its third and final Board of Directors Meeting of 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa, held from 12 to 15 October, bringing together CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, members of the CISM Board of Directors and representatives of CISM Headquarters for several days of strategic discussions, institutional exchanges and activities organised in cooperation with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Hosted by the South African National Defence Force, the meeting provided an important opportunity to review the organisation's activities throughout 2026, assess preparations for upcoming major sporting events and address key institutional priorities ahead of 2027.
The official Opening Ceremony took place on Monday, 12 October, at the Fire and Ice Hotel in Pretoria, followed by the traditional official photograph and the first working session of the Board of Directors.
On this occasion, CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho expressed his appreciation to the South African authorities and the SANDF for their hospitality and continued support for military sport, while highlighting the importance of the meeting for the organisation's future.
"As we gather for our final Board of Directors Meeting of 2026, we have an important opportunity to reflect on our achievements, address the challenges ahead and strengthen our common vision for the future. Our responsibility is to ensure the continued development of military sport worldwide while promoting the values of solidarity, mutual respect and friendship that unite our member nations," the CISM President stated.
The first working session, held on 12 October, focused on reports from CISM's highest authorities, beginning with communications from the CISM President and Secretary General. These were followed by presentations from the four CISM continental structures – Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe – providing an overview of their respective activities, developments and priorities.
Financial matters also featured on the agenda, including the report of the Treasurer General and discussions concerning the organisation's financial management and the proposed cancellation of debts older than four years.
A significant part of the first session was devoted to CISM's major international sporting events. The Board reviewed the status of preparations for the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games, scheduled to take place in Charlotte, United States, from 25 June to 4 July 2027.
The discussions also covered the future editions of the CISM Cadet Games and the CISM Military World Winter Games, as well as proposals concerning the naming of Cadet Games and military challenges. The session concluded with an update on preparations for the 9th CISM Military World Summer Games, to be hosted by Qatar in 2029.
On Tuesday, 13 October, the CISM delegation attended the official Opening Ceremony of the Chief of the South African National Defence Force Prestige Week 2026, organised at the Military Sport Grounds in Thaba Tshwane.
This major annual event, held from 13 to 16 October, brought together military athletes, officials and representatives of the different services and divisions of the South African National Defence Force for sporting competitions and cultural celebrations promoting military pride, teamwork and camaraderie.
During his opening address, the Chief of the South African National Defence Force warmly welcomed CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho and the members of the Board of Directors, emphasising the shared values connecting military personnel across national borders.
"The CISM motto, 'Friendship through Sport,' is not merely a slogan. It is a powerful reminder that nations can build enduring military friendships not only across conference tables, but also across running tracks, football fields and sporting arenas," he declared.
He also highlighted the significance of the international delegation's presence, noting that despite differences in uniforms, flags and languages, military personnel share the universal values of discipline, courage, respect and comradeship.
The participation of the CISM delegation in the SANDF Prestige Week further illustrated the close relationship between CISM and South Africa, while providing an opportunity to witness the importance of sport within the country's armed forces.
The second working session of the Board of Directors, held during the afternoon of 13 October, addressed several important sporting and academic matters. These included the CISM Sports Calendar for 2026–2027, the organisation's five-year sports plan, the designation of Official CISM Representatives for upcoming championships, and the development of CISM support programmes and their standard operating procedures.
The Academic Department presented updates on preparations for the CISM International Symposium 2027 in Brazil, the nomination of CISM Academy members, the proposed theme of the 23rd CISM International Symposium and developments related to the CISM Scientific Journal.
The session also featured reports from the CISM Regulations Commission, Finance and Budget Commission, Sports Commission, Sports Science Commission, Women in CISM Commission and Solidarity Commission, together with an update from the CISM Passport Working Group. These presentations provided an opportunity to review ongoing initiatives and examine the contributions of the various commissions to the organisation's development.
The third and final working session, held on Wednesday, 14 October, focused primarily on strategic and institutional matters, including statutory elections, a proposal concerning an increase in the number of Asian representatives on the Board of Directors, the situation of CISM commissions and the organisation's statutory calendar.
The Board also examined the report of the 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress, held in Monaco, before reviewing reports from CISM Headquarters departments and addressing additional institutional matters.
Beyond the formal working sessions, the programme offered several opportunities for cultural exchange and informal discussions among Board members. On 14 October, the delegation attended the SANDF Prestige Week cultural event, organised under the theme "Celebration of a Traditional Wedding", showcasing South Africa's rich cultural heritage, traditions and diversity.
On Thursday, 15 October, participants took part in a cultural excursion to the Lion and Rhino Park before gathering for the official Closing Ceremony of the Board of Directors Meeting, followed by a gala dinner and traditional gift exchange, marking the conclusion of the final CISM Board gathering of 2026.
The meeting in Pretoria represented an important milestone in CISM's institutional calendar, allowing its leadership to review ongoing activities, exchange perspectives on strategic priorities and continue coordinating preparations for major international sporting events.
The next Board of Directors Meeting, BoD 2027/1, will take place in Charlotte, United States, from 24 to 31 January 2027, providing another opportunity to advance strategic discussions and follow preparations for the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games.
Through its statutory meetings and close cooperation with member nations, CISM continues to strengthen its international partnerships, develop military sport worldwide and promote its universal motto, "Friendship through Sport."
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: South African Delegation to CISM)
