CISM President honored and inspires future leaders in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO (BRA) - The President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, was at the center of two remarkable occasions in Brazil that highlighted both his international recognition and his dedication to inspiring new generations of military leaders. These events, which took place within a few days of each other, reflected the strong ties between CISM and the Brazilian Armed Forces as well as the continuing relevance of sport in fostering values of leadership, respect, and cooperation.

On August 30th, 2025, the Brazilian Army School of Physical Education in Rio de Janeiro hosted the seventeenth National Gathering of Officers Graduated from the Physical Education College of the Brazilian Army. The event was marked by tradition, camaraderie and the celebration of the enduring values cultivated by generations of military leaders. During this ceremony, Colonel Rolim received the AsEFEx Medal, the highest distinction granted by the Association of Former Students and Friends of EsEFEx. This honor is reserved for personalities whose careers and contributions have significantly strengthened the role of military sports in Brazil and abroad.

A former military athlete himself, Colonel Rolim has presided over CISM since 2023 and has overseen important reforms and initiatives that have reinforced the mission of the organization: promoting friendship and peace through sport among the Armed Forces of the world. His decoration at EsEFEx not only acknowledged his individual trajectory but also symbolized the enduring and fruitful connection between AsEFEx, EsEFEx, and CISM, consolidating Brazil’s prominent role within the global military sports movement.

A few days later, on September 3rd, 2025, Colonel Rolim was invited to speak at the Brazilian Army Preparatory School of Cadets in Campinas. His lecture, entitled “Olympic Values and Military Values: An Exercise in Leadership,” explored the close relationship between the ideals of Olympism and the guiding principles of the military profession. Addressing hundreds of cadets, he emphasized the importance of values such as respect, discipline, excellence and solidarity, which are essential both on the field of sport and in military life.

In addition to the conceptual approach, the CISM President shared his own personal journey, recalling his years of formation as a young military officer and athlete and his eventual election in 2023 as leader of the world’s largest military sports organization. His story served as a living testimony of perseverance, leadership, and dedication, leaving a profound impression on the cadets of EsPCEx and inspiring them to pursue excellence in their future careers.

Together, these two events illustrate not only the recognition given to Colonel Rolim as an individual leader but also the central role that CISM continues to play in promoting education, leadership and international cooperation through sport. They reaffirm Brazil’s special place in the international military sports community and demonstrate the enduring power of sport to unite, inspire and shape future generations of military leaders.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)