8th CISM Military World Summer Games - Charlotte (USA) 2027
The International Military Sports Council (CISM) is proud to announce that the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina (USA), in 2027. This historic decision, taken by the CISM Board of Directors on 29 March, marks the long-awaited return of the Military World Summer Games after an eight-year interval since the last edition in Wuhan, China (2019).
The 2027 edition represents a major milestone in CISM history, as it will be the first time the United States hosts the Military World Summer Games, underlining the country’s strong commitment to international military cooperation, sports diplomacy, and the values promoted by CISM.
Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, CISM President: “We are honored to bring the CISM Military World Summer Games to the United States for the first time. Charlotte’s outstanding sporting infrastructure, organizational expertise, and dedication to the values of CISM make it an ideal host for this historic event,”
A Global Celebration of Military Sport
The 8th CISM Military World Summer Games will bring together nearly 10,000 military athletes from more than 100 CISM Member Nations, competing across 25 sports disciplines. The Games will showcase the highest level of athletic performance, military discipline, and teamwork, while promoting unity, mutual respect, and friendship among armed forces from around the world.
Recognized as one of the largest multi-sport events worldwide, second only to the Olympic Games in terms of international military participation, the CISM Military World Summer Games embody the organization’s core mission and motto: “Friendship through Sport.”
World-Class Venues and Sporting Excellence
Charlotte was selected as host city thanks to its exceptional sports infrastructure, experience in organizing major international events, and its position as a leading hub for sports tourism in the United States. Competitions will be staged across a network of state-of-the-art venues, including:
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte)
- Mecklenburg County Sportsplex
- U.S. National Whitewater Center
- Additional high-level facilities across the region
The sports program will feature both Olympic disciplines—such as athletics, swimming, and basketball—and military-specific sports, including military pentathlon, naval pentathlon, parachuting, lifesaving, and shooting.
Beyond Sport: Culture, Education, and Legacy
Beyond competition, the Games will offer a rich program of cultural, educational, and community activities, encouraging interaction and dialogue among participants. These initiatives will highlight the role of sport in military training, leadership development, resilience, and international peacebuilding.
Hosting the Games is expected to generate a significant economic and social impact for Charlotte and the surrounding region, with positive effects on tourism, hospitality, infrastructure, and employment. Moreover, the event will leave a lasting legacy by strengthening local sports development, enhancing international visibility, and reinforcing Charlotte’s reputation as a premier host city for global sporting events.
United Effort, Global Vision
The successful bid for the 2027 Games reflects close collaboration between key stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Defense, national and local authorities, and major sports organizations. This collective effort highlights the importance of sports diplomacy as a powerful tool for fostering international cooperation and understanding.
With preparations already underway, the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games – Charlotte 2027 promise to be a landmark event celebrating athletic excellence, military values, and international camaraderie. CISM looks forward to welcoming the world’s military athletes to the United States for an unforgettable edition of the Games.
