CISM receives prestigious 2023 Pioneers of Excellence Award alongside the Golden Knights at the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame

ELOY, ARIZONA (USA) – CISM is excited to share the news that it has been honored with the 2023 Pioneers of Excellence Award by the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame, alongside The Golden Knights (US Army Parachute Competition Teams). This esteemed accolade was presented during the Museum & Hall of Fame's Path of Pioneers of Excellence Awards, acknowledging both teams for their remarkable contributions to the field of skydiving. For more information about the awards, please visit https://skydivingmuseum.org/celebration-event/2023-path-excellence-pioneers-excellence-awards.

Boasting a history spanning 63 years, The Golden Knights, also known as the U.S. Army Parachute Team, have secured an impressive 348 world records, including those recognized by CISM. Their unwavering dedication to the sport has persisted since 1959. At the International Skydiving Hall of Fame Celebration, the CISM flag symbolically entered the scene, and the CISM President presented a diploma to The Golden Knights, expressing pride and honor for their decades-long contributions.

The celebration was further enhanced by the Emirates Aerosports Federation, creating a special atmosphere during the Skydive World Cup Series and the 7th Dubai International Parachuting Competition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Colonel Nilton Rolim (BRA), CISM President, experienced the thrill of the clouds and showcased impressive maneuvers at the Skydive Dubai Desert Drop Zone. Notably, Vertical do Ponto orchestrated a tribute, prominently displaying the CISM President on the canopy.

Representing the Parachuting Committee of the International Military Sports Council, CISM had a strong presence at the recent International Skydiving Hall of Fame Celebration at Skydive Arizona. The event introduced the Affiliates Spotlight, recognizing committees, federations, and associations affiliated with the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame for their prominence and support. The Parachuting Committee stands as one of five International Affiliates.

As part of the Affiliate Spotlight, a member of the United States Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Demonstration Team flew the CISM flag into the event (https://www.usafa.edu/wings-of-blue/). During the ceremony, the Pioneers of Excellence Award was bestowed upon The Golden Knights Competition Teams (https://www.goarmy.com/golden-knights.html), recognizing their significant contributions to the world of skydiving in the 1970s and earlier.

The Parachuting Committee of the International Military Sports Council was well represented at the recent International Skydiving Hall of Fame Celebration at Skydive Arizona. New to the event is the Affiliates Spotlight. During the Spotlight, committees, federations and associations that are affiliates of the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame are recognized for their prominence and support. The Parachuting Committee is a member of this exclusive group as one of five International Affiliates.

The Golden Knights fielded a team that included team Commander Lieutenant Colonel Charles (Andy) Moffit to compete in the 10-way speed meet that took place during the event.

The International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame in Orlando, Florida will include a Military Connection Gallery. The gallery will present the history and current uses of military parachuting and skydiving.

CISM extends gratitude for this prestigious recognition and looks forward to continued collaboration and excellence in the world of military sports and skydiving.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)