The Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) is the International Military Sports Council. It was established on 18 February 1948 in Nice, France, by the five founding countries Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. With its 140 member states today, CISM is the third largest sports organisation in the world (after the International Olympic Committee and FIFA).
In a world scarred and tested by armed conflict, CISM's mission is to forge new links between countries and renew relationships that were destroyed by many years of political instability. It also aims to promote the development of military sport in general. Sport helps overcome language barriers, does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or religion, and can bridge generations. CISM wants to contribute to worldwide peace efforts through military sport. As part of these efforts, it promotes progressiveness and harmony among young people.
And that is why CISM's motto is:
FRIENDSHIP THROUGH SPORT
World championships are held in 26 sports every year. The Summer and Winter Military World Games take place every four years and include many of the following sports:
