Not a farewell, but a see you soon!
LUCERNE (SUI) – A week of thrilling competition, unforgettable moments, and unbreakable camaraderie - true to the motto Military Champions for Peace - came to a spectacular close on Saturday evening. The Messe Luzern provided the stage for the grand closing ceremony, where athletes, delegations, and guests gathered to celebrate the remarkable success of the 5th CISM Military World Winter Games.
In a nearly sold-out venue, the official closing ceremony highlighted the Games' profound impact, with the sea of diverse military uniforms symbolizing international unity and the power of sport to transcend borders. These Games were not just about medals; they were a testament to the role of military sports in fostering friendship, respect, and peace.
A total of 784 athletes from 42 nations competed under the CISM flag, embodying the spirit of fair play and excellence. France emerged as the dominant force in the medal standings, securing an impressive 13 gold medals, followed by Italy and host nation Switzerland. Yet, beyond the rankings, the true victory lay in the shared values of sportsmanship, solidarity, and mutual understanding.
During his closing speech, CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho praised the athletes for their commitment and perseverance: "To our athletes: You are all champions. Every drop of sweat from your daily training, every challenge you overcame, and every limit you pushed define not only the essence of sport but also the values of military service. You are the beating heart of CISM, and through you, our mission of peace through sport lives on. We are incredibly proud of you!"
He also expressed deep appreciation for the Swiss hosts, recognizing their contribution to the success of the Games: "I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Swiss authorities, government, armed forces, and all spectators. Your warm hospitality, kindness, and outstanding organization have made these Games truly unforgettable. You have created the perfect environment for our athletes to compete at their best while also forging friendships that will last a lifetime."
A heartfelt thank you goes to the countless individuals who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this extraordinary event to life. Hosting a global event of this magnitude required immense dedication, and Switzerland takes great pride in having delivered a world-class competition, seamlessly organized and warmly received by all participating nations.
As the curtain falls on these unforgettable Winter Games, the organizing committee reflects with gratitude and pride on a week of unity and excellence. As the CISM President fittingly concluded: "As we say goodbye, we do not just take home memories—we carry with us a renewed dedication to the values that CISM stands for. Friendship through sport!" This is not goodbye - it is simply see you soon!
(Source: https://www.cism-wmc.ch/ – WINOC 25)
