Opening ceremony of the 5th CISM Military World Winter Games: a celebration of sport and camaraderie
LUCERNE (SUI) - The 5th Winter World Military Games were opened yesterday, March 24, at the Lucerne Exhibition Centre with an impressive ceremony. Over 800 athletes from 42 nations took part in this international sporting event. The father-daughter presenter duo Cloé and Rainer Maria Salzgeber charmingly hosted the evening - accompanied by music from the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band, Brass Band and Drum Corps. A spectacular mixture of light show, music and show interludes mesmerised the military and civilian audience.
Following the ceremonial entry of the delegations, he Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Thomas Süssli, highlighted the unifying values shared by all armed forces: discipline, camaraderie, and mutual respect.
CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho expressed his gratitude to Switzerland for providing the perfect stage and wished for peaceful cooperation among the participating nations in the spirit of the motto «Military Champions for Peace.»
On behalf of all athletes, coaches, and officials, three Swiss delegates took an oath for clean and fair competition.
Major General Germaine Seewer, President of the CISM Military World Winter Games 2025, declared, «We are ready and fully prepared!» and acknowledged the approximately 1600 members of the Swiss Armed Forces deployed to support the competitions.
The outgoing Federal Councillor and Head of the DDPS, Viola Amherd, officially opened the Games and praised the cooperation between the military, local authorities, and civilian partners.
A captivating video showcased the journey of the torch, made from recycled aluminium, across Switzerland. Carried by athletes from the participating sports, it finally arrived in the hall, brought in by the mascot «Murmeli.»
The specially composed song A Celebration of Sports! by Stephan Hodel blended traditional Swiss elements such as the alphorn, yodelling, and Trychler with modern sounds and meaningful lyrics.
The audience honoured CISM President’s tribute to Federal Councillor Viola Amherd with a standing ovation.
CISM is committed to organising major sporting events in an economically responsible, socially sustainable, and environmentally friendly manner.
The grand finale was a spectacular performance: the Swiss Armed Forces Drum Corps' Recycling act, enhanced by three angle grinders, delivered striking visual and acoustic highlights.
The opening ceremony powerfully demonstrated that military sports are about more than just competition – they stand as a symbol of fairness, openness, and international cooperation.
(Source: https://www.cism-wmc.ch/ - WINOC 25)
