Shaping the future of Military Sports: insights from the Sports Commission and PCSC Meetings
BRUSSELS (BEL) - On January 14, 2025, the Sports Commission Meeting was held at the CISM Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. This pivotal gathering brought together CISM Sports Commission President Lieutenant-Colonel Jure Velepec, CISM Sports Director Lieutenant-Colonel Jan Van den Dool, and members of the Sports Commission.
The meeting focused on evaluating the progress made in 2024 while addressing strategic aspects of CISM's sports policy for the upcoming years. Discussions revolved around enhancing the sports program, fostering innovation, and reinforcing collaboration among member nations. The Commission also reviewed achievements, challenges, and the roadmap to align CISM’s sports initiatives with its core mission of promoting peace through sport.
From January 15 to 16, 2025, the CISM Headquarters also hosted the first PCSC (President of CISM Sports Committees) Meeting of the year. Chaired by CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, the meeting welcomed CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim, CISM Sports Director Lieutenant-Colonel Jan Van den Dool, and PCSC representatives, alongside members of the CISM Headquarters staff.
Day One began with an opening session featuring remarks from Colonel Rolim, Navy Captain Recchia, and Lieutenant-Colonel Van den Dool, highlighting the importance of the PCSC’s role in shaping CISM’s sports landscape. Reports from the Sports Director and Sports Commission provided a comprehensive overview of achievements and areas for growth. The day included detailed sport-by-sport presentations by each PCSC, offering insights into the current state of disciplines under CISM’s umbrella. A significant discussion was led by the new president of the parasport working group, focusing on the inclusion and development of parasport within CISM.
Day Two focused on operational and strategic presentations. Colonel Joseph Bakari, the Games Director, outlined plans for upcoming CISM Games, while Lieutenant-Commander Florentia Sfakianou presented on academic initiatives to integrate education with sports. Contributions from Maxime Sempo, Development and Partnership Director, and David Vandenplas, Media and Communication Director and Secretary of the External Relations Office, underscored the importance of partnerships, communication strategies, and international collaborations with International Federations.
The meeting concluded with closed-session discussions among PCSC members and the Sport Department, addressing key topics to prepare for the next Board of Directors meeting. The closing session, led by Navy Captain Recchia and Lieutenant-Colonel Van den Dool, reinforced actionable steps and a united vision for 2025.
These two meetings underscore CISM's commitment to excellence and innovation in military sports, setting a dynamic tone for the year ahead.
As CISM charts its course for the future of military sports, the next PCSC Meeting will be held in the framework of the 80th CISM General Assembly and Congress. Scheduled to take place from May 16 to 25, 2025, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the event will bring together CISM leaders, stakeholders, and member nations to continue advancing its mission of promoting peace and solidarity through sport.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
