Continuing the legacy: 79th General Assembly and Congress of CISM in Dar es Salaam

DAR ES SALAAM (TAN) - The 79th CISM General Assembly and Congress is currently underway in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Today marked a significant day as delegates gathered to discuss crucial aspects of military sports.

The Congress opened with a warm welcome from the CISM President, Colonel Nilton Rolim, followed by a welcome address from Major-General Francis Mbindi, Chairperson of the National Organizing Committee and LOC Chairman. This set a collaborative tone for the day’s discussions.

Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Secretary General, reviewed the overall program of activities of the event. This was followed by insightful presentations from keynote speakers, focusing on the impact of sports as a diplomatic tool and strategies for sports development:

• Mr. Henry Benny Tandau, Vice President of the Tanzanian Olympic Committee, spoke on "Sports as a Tool for Diplomacy."
• Dr. Jonas B. Tiborocha, from the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science at the University of Dar es Salaam, addressed "Leadership & Governance Strategy for Sports Development."
• Brigadier-General Paul Sanzey, the French Chief of Delegation, discussed the "Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the French Armed Forces: OR Reconstruction through Sport."

The CISM President, Colonel Nilton Rolim, and Secretary General, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, provided further communications and reports on the organization’s activities and financial status. The presentation of new Chiefs of Delegations since the 78th General Assembly & Congress 2023 in Moscow was also a key highlight.

The session included comprehensive reports from the CISM Vice-Presidents of Africa, America, Asia, and Europe, as well as a detailed presentation on the current situation of the CISM budget and accounts by the CISM Treasurer General. This encompassed the Auditor’s report, results of the exercise year 2023, the proposed 2024 budget, and membership fee categories for 2025.

Further contributions were made by various CISM Commissions and Working Groups, including the Finance Commission, Strategy Commission, Sports Commission, Para Sport Working Group, Women in CISM Commission, and the Solidarity Commission.

The day concluded with presentations from the CISM Academic Department, including a preview of the CISM International Symposium 2025 by the United Arab Emirates delegation and the signing of the contract of organization by the CISM President and UAE Chief of Delegation. Additionally, the Sri Lanka delegation presented the 80th CISM General Assembly and Congress 2025, followed by a contract signing with the CISM President and Sri Lanka Chief of Delegation.

Lieutenant Denis Raymond, Chief of the Monaco Delegation to CISM, took the floor to expressed his enthusiasm about the fact that the CISM Board of Directors welcomed the proposal from His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to host the 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress in 2026 in Monaco. This underscores Monaco's ongoing dedication to advancing military sports on a global scale. The forthcoming event highlights Monaco's continuous commitment to fostering the development and unity of military sports within the international community.

Colonel Nilton Rolim delivered the closing address, marking the end of the first part of the CISM Congress 2024.

Tomorrow, May 16, the Congress will continue with a focus on the CISM Sports Policy and the CISM World Games. The day will also feature a special presentation by Cambodia, aspiring to join the esteemed ranks of the CISM Family.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department – Pictures: Tanzanian Delegation to CISM)