Switzerland welcomes the international military sporting elite: Military World Winter Games 2025
BERN (SUI) - From 23 to 30 March Switzerland will be the global stage for the 5th Military World Winter Games under the aegis of the International Military Sports Council (CISM). Top-class Swiss and international military athletes will compete against each other in ten different disciplines. The competitions, which are being held under the motto ‘Military Champions for Peace’ hashtag #Lucerne2025, will take place at six venues, with Lucerne forming the organisational heart as host city.
The president of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, emphasised Switzerland’s special role as the host country for this military competition comparable to the Olympic Games: ‘Switzerland stands for sporting excellence, international cooperation and offers first-class infrastructure – ideal conditions for a major sporting event such as the Military World Winter Games’. On behalf of the Organising Committee of the 2025 Military World Winter Games, Major General Germaine J.F. Seewer said: “The Swiss Armed Forces are proud to be able to host these games, which only take place every four years.”
All competitions and ceremonies are open to the public free of charge. In addition to the sporting competitions, the focus is also on sustainable values. The organising committee has set itself the goal of offsetting all CO₂ emissions from the games.
International competition at six venues
Lucerne will play a central role as host city and is the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies. The alpine disciplines and the ski element of the parachute ski event will be held at Engelberg with the other element taking place at the military airfield at Alpnach. The Nordic events will be held in Goms, and ski mountaineering on the Oberalp Pass above Andermatt. Further disciplines being included for the first time at these Games include cross-country running and climbing, which will enable nations without a strong winter sports tradition to participate. These events will be held in Emmen and Wädenswil respectively.
Considerable number of top military athletes
815 top military athletes from 43 nations will compete in ten sports. Switzerland is actively participating in the games with numerous top athletes from its elite sports programme. The international field of participants is also highly competitive, with world-class athletes from numerous countries. They will compete together with military personnel with disabilities, sending a strong signal of inclusion, solidarity and cohesion. (Detailed information about the Swiss delegation and the registered international participants can be found on the website).
(Source: https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-104580.html)
