The Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) is the International Military Sports Council. It was founded on February 18, 1948 in Nice (France) by the five countries Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. With its 140 member states today, it is the third largest sports organization in the world (after IOC / FIFA).
One of the association's aims is to promote the development of military sports on a broad basis, as well as friendly relations between the armies and member states. It supports athletes from less privileged countries in sports-related areas and is committed to progressive and harmonious youth work. In particular, the CISM organization seeks to contribute to global efforts for general peace.
CISM's motto is: «FRIENDSHIP THROUGH SPORT».
Twenty-six sports are allowed in the world championships organized each year by CISM. The Summer and Winter Military World Games are held every four years and include some of these sports:
MILITARY SPORTS :
aeronautical, naval and military pentathlon, shooting and parachuting
INDIVIDUAL SPORTS :
Athletics (including cross-country and marathon), cycling, horse riding, swimming (including lifesaving and diving), orienteering, modern pentathlon, skiing (Nordic and Alpine), triathlon, archery, climbing, golf and sailing.
COMBAT SPORTS :
boxing, fencing, judo, wrestling and taekwondo
TEAM SPORTS :
basketball, soccer, volleyball and beach volleyball
CISM is the world's leading military sports organization, and is committed to promoting mutual respect, solidarity and peace through a wide range of activities.
The Swiss CISM Delegation, organizer of the 5th Military World Winter Games, has been a member of the International Military Sports Federation (CISM) since 1968. Swiss athletes, who are part of the army's elite sports promotion, regularly take part in military competitions at home and abroad - currently in eleven summer and winter sports. As one of the most active nations, the Swiss CISM delegation has not only participated in all the Military World Games, but has also organized more than 30 CISM World Championships in its own country.
Did you know that the Swiss Army promotes elite sport through...
... the recruit school for elite athletes
... rehearsal courses for elite athletes
... hiring elite sportsmen and women on contract
Well-known faces in Swiss sport have already benefited from these promotional tools. Marco Odermatt, Jolanda Neff, Nino Schurter, Ramon Zennhäuser, Michelle Gisin and Nina Christen are just a few examples.