The 55th World Military Shooting Championship opens with ceremony, symbolism and unity in Norway
ELVERUM (NOR) - The city of Elverum set the stage for a remarkable opening to the 55th World Military Shooting Championship. The ceremony, relocated indoors to the Terningen Arena due to an uncertain weather forecast, was marked by elegance and precision—fittingly embodied by the performance of His Majesty The King’s Guard, who impressed all in attendance with their discipline and ceremonial excellence.
Championship President Major General Frode Ommundsen welcomed participants and guests, emphasizing the enduring relevance of CISM’s motto, “Friendship through Sport,” especially in today’s climate of global instability and uncertainty. His address set a reflective and forward-looking tone for the championship.
CISM Official Representative and Board of Directors Member Major Jan-Henrik Bäck of Sweden further reinforced this message, noting in his speech: “Currently, we are experiencing times of instability and unrest at several places around the globe… 85 years ago, this was the town where King Haakon VII of Norway said ‘No’ to submission. Today, it is here in Elverum that we say ‘Yes’—to cooperation, to new friends, under the CISM motto: Friendship through Sports.”
He reminded participants of the deeper purpose behind military sports: “The real significance of military sport relates to the increasing importance of multinational military cooperation in building peace and security around the world. One of the major missions for Armed Forces today is to work together in multinational operations. To do that effectively, we must first know each other—and sport is the perfect foundation to build those relationships.”
Major Bäck also praised Norway’s historic contribution to CISM, referencing the country’s long-standing role in organizing and supporting military sports: “Norway has been, and still is, a big contributor to CISM’s success—from pentathlon to skiing, orienteering and shooting. And let us not forget that Norway has provided leaders at the highest level of CISM sport committees.”
The event also featured speeches by Deputy Mayor of Elverum Arnfinn Uthus, Colonel Knut Simen Skaret representing Norway’s CISM delegation, and other dignitaries, all reinforcing themes of solidarity, athletic excellence, and military camaraderie.
On the second day, athletes had the opportunity to train at Terningmoen Camp, fine-tuning their skills on the championship ranges. With the schedule tightly managed to accommodate all delegations, the final training sessions ensured that everyone would be ready when competition officially begins.
Now, with all ceremonial and preparatory activities complete, the 55th World Military Shooting Championship is underway. The competition starts Wednesday morning at 08:00, promising a week of skill, sportsmanship, and global military fellowship on the shooting range.
As Major Bäck declared to close his speech: “You are already winners. You have proven yourselves as elite athletes in your countries. But even more importantly, you have created the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships with fellow servicemen and women from around the world.”
Friendship through Sport – let the competition begin.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
