CISM Day Run 2011 in Belgium

The 18^th of February 2011 showed to be remarkably unique for the personnel belonging to the Belgium Armed Forces and not only.
Celebrating the 63^rd CISM anniversary, over 1400 participants (military, civilian personnel, NATO HQ’s officers, embassy personnel, etc) got together last Friday morning in Duisburg area, only few kilometers away from Brussels, where the Belgian Military Sport Center lies.
CISM HQ has been invited and joined this annual meeting with a strong and exuberant team (14 participants) and also provided the banner that connected this day with the Peace Games in Rio 2011.
Everybody was in their sports uniform, including few generals who were waiting for the beginning of this big event at the VIP lounge.
Among the participants there were also many top athletes of Belgium Delegation. They also came aiming at passing on their message of peace and sport.
This event is becoming a tradition in Belgium which successfully influences not only the development of military sport in their country but has an international impact on CISM image and military world sports in general.
It was an unforgettable day to the Belgian Armed Forces. They must be proud of it, since this day marked a brilliant celebrating event.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Cyprus

The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus (ASAEF) has organized on 12^th February 2011 in the Stavrovouni area (near to Nicosia), a 10 km cross-country race.
In the aforementioned race, they took part 150 athletes belonging to the National Guard, the Police Forces, the Reservist Special Forces, the British Forces in Cyprus, the United Nation (UNFICYP), the different Embassies in Cyprus, the Military Team of Greece and many civilians.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Lebanon

Sunday 20 February at 8.30 am, the CISM Day Run was organized in Beirut – Lebanon under the patronage of the Armed Forces Commander General Jean Kahwagi represented by the Commander of the higher center for Military Sports Brigadier General Georges Boutros.
The Lebanese Army organized this event - more than 800 runners participated in the race and represented the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces, the General Directorate of Public Security, the General Directorate of State Security, the Customs, the Fire Brigade, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, in addition to the runners of the Lebanese Army. The race also included participants from a number of Universities, school and sports federations.
The participants were divided to 2 groups. The first group represents the category of soldiers (5km run). The second group represented men and women (10km run).
The race took place under the supervision of officers, NCOs and soldiers of the Higher Center for Military Sports.
The medals were distributed to the winners by the Armed Forces Commander representative Brigadier General Georges Boutros.
A cocktail party was offered with this occasion in honor of the UNIFIL officers in the canteen of the Central Military Club.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Serbia

Serbian Delegation to CISM realized CISM Day Run 2011 with 40 officers and 50 cadets. Also, 40 officers, our guests, from Bosnia Herzegovina took a part on this event at Military Academy in Belgrade. Total: 130 participants

CISM Day Run 2011 in Greece

The Hellenic Armed Forces celebrated the founding of CISM by the conduct of Cross Country Race Hellenic Armed Forces and Academies Championship on Friday of 18 February 2011, dedicated to the DAY RUN 2011, advertising the WMG of CISM in Rio de Janeiro 2011 " Peace Games".
The mentioned event had been successfully and constituted by the following Championships and categories: 3 km Veterans Champion; Armed Forces Academies' Championship (3 km for cadets "women" and 6 km for cadets "men"); Armed Forces Staffs Championship (3 km with the participation of Officers and NCO women and 6 km with the participation of Officers, NCO and soldiers men).
The Day Run celebration, conducted at the Air Forces Academy's Sports Complex in Athens with the participation of 300 competitors (men and women).

CISM Day Run 2011 in Barbados

The Barbados Defence Force celebrated the CISM Day Run on Sunday, 20 February 2011 with the staging of a 5 km Run which began at 0530 hrs from the Barbados Coast Guard Headquarters, HMBS Pelican, to the Force Headquarters, St. Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, St. Michael.
A total of 212 persons participated in the run including 1 civilian from the Barbados Table Tennis Association, 6 Officers from the Barbados Government Security Services, 8 Officers from the Barbados Prison Service, 9 members of the Barbados Youth Service and 34 members from the Regional Police Training Centre.
The other participants were drawn from the Barbados Defence Forces’ Units such as the Force Headquarters, Barbados Regiment, Barbados Coast Guard and the Sports Programme.
The Barbados Defence Force was pleased to be able to have representatives from five (5) organizations join in the promotion of CISM and to promote “Friendship through Sport”.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Ireland

The Irish Defence Forces participated in the “CISM Day Run” for the first time on the 18 Feb 2011. The run took place in six (6) separate locations. The six locations were:

• 1 Southern Brigade-Kilworth Camp, Cork - 290
• 2 Eastern Brigade- Phoenix Park, Dublin - 270
• 4 Western Brigade- Athlone, Westmeath - 280
• Defence Forces Training Centre – Curragh Camp, Kildare - 280
• Aer Corps – Baldonnel, Dublin - 150
• Naval Service- Hawbouline, Cork - 270
• TOTAL PARTICIPATION - 1,540

The CISM run was an outstanding success with over 1500 personnel taking part across the six locations above. (Photos attached). The Irish Defense Forces truly celebrated the foundation of CISM (18.02.1948). Weather conditions were not ideal across the country as the runners, walkers and the blocks set out on the various courses. There may have been wet and windy conditions, but spirits were high as the participants in all six locations started the event with a big cheer!
The successful running of this event by the Irish Defense Forces not only advertised the CISM motto of “Friendship through Sport” but also generated enthusiasm for the cause of worldwide peace. All personnel who took part were impressed and many looked forward eagerly to another successful CISM day run event in 2012.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Slovenia

Slovenian Armed Forces and Slovenian CISM Delegation organized CISM Day Run on 18th February 2011.
CISM Day Run was organized as a non - competitive event at the same time in all military installations in Slovenia. The main event was organized at Centre for Doctrine, Development, Education and Training Command in Maribor, with opening ceremony, raising of the CISM flag, CISM anthem and opening speech of colonel Dusan Tos, commander of 72th brigade. After the Run, press conference was organized.
Altogether 2086 members of Slovenian Armed Forces were running to celebrate Friendship through sport on 18th February 2011, which is  5% more than last year.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Spain


During three days, 9-11 February, we have been celebrating CISM Day Run Competitions in Rota Military Base in Cádiz (Spain). More than 400 people have been running in all categories and distances during those three days under the umbrella of CISM.
It has been a big event and all people have spent a very nice time.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Albania

For the 4th year the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces on 18th of February 2011 organized the CISM Day Run celebrating the 63rd CISM Anniversary. High ranking officers from the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff, as well as officers, NCOs and soldiers from Land Force Command, Air Force Command, Naval Command and other supporting units took part in this event. After the opening ceremony a 8 km Cross Country race was held and the CISM Day Run certificate was handed to all of the participants in this race. This was an excellent opportunity to promote the CISM motto of “Friendship through Sport”.

The total number of participant celebrating this day in different units of the Albanian Armed Forces was 1500.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Brazil

On February 20th 2011, more than 60.000 people celebrated the 63rd CISM Anniversary by walking/running on Brazilian territory, during the “CISM Day Run”. Civilian and military together, children and senior citizens, men and women wearing white T-shirts with the symbol of the Military Games spent the sunny Sunday morning stating their support for peace.

CISM has specially dedicated this edition, to promote the 5th CISM Military World Games world wide. The CISM Day Run in Brazil was marked by some milestones. The torch with the flame of military sports arrived in Rio de Janeiro, the city which will be hosting  the Games in July. The flame will be kept burning at the World War II Memorial in Rio and  on the 16th July will head towards João Havelange Stadium in order to embrace the competitions with all its warmth.

Arion, the mascot of the Games, arrived in Brasilia capital of Brazil and made his debut at the beginning of the Day Run, and  from there, starts a tour around the country to promote the Games.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Nigeria

The CISM Day Run 2011 was celebrated by the Nigerian Armed Forces at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Saturday 26thFeb 2011. This was to allow for maximum participation as 18thFeb was a working day. Participants were drawn from the 3 Armed Services, Para Military Establishments, Ministry of Defence, National Sports Commission, Corporate Organization and interested civilian populace.

The event featured a 5Km Run/Walk through a well defined route. The event was organized by CISM-Nigeria under the auspices of the Defence HQs. The Guest of Honour at the event was the Chief of Defence Staff. Present also, were the reps of the Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police and CEOs of all the Para Military Establishments.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Lesotho

In Lesotho, CISM Day Run took place for the fourth time consecutively. About 400 soldiers and officers including the Chief of the Army honored this extraordinary day. This year, keeping the 5^th CISM Military World Games in the line of fire, Lesotho has manufactured and used the promotional banner for the Games. Good luck Rio!

CISM Day Run 2011 in Pakistan

A colorful ceremony was held by Pakistan Armed Forces to mark the CISM
Day Run on 18 Feb 2011 at Jinnah Stadium Islamabad Pakistan. Senior officers from all the three services were present on the occasion. The day was made more colorful by adding a mini marathon race more then 500 athletes from all the three services participated. The position holders were awarded medals/C1SM Day Run certificates and handsome Chief of Delegation Pakistan Rear Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Morocco

Dans le cadre de la commémoration du 63ème anniversaire du Conseil International du Sport Militaire, et en application des Hautes Instructions de SA MAJESTE LE ROI, Chef Suprême et Chef d’Etat Major Général des Forces Armées Royales, l’ensemble des Places d’Armes du Royaume ont consacré la Journée du 18 Février 2011 à la Course, intitulée ‘‘Course du CISM’’, qui s’est déroulée sur un parcours de 3 Kms, avec l’idéal ‘‘Sport pour tous’’.

66.350 militaires, tous grades confondus ont participé à cette manifestation, qui a suscité l’adhésion de tous les responsables qui, par leur haut niveau d’organisation, ont donné à ladite manifestation l’éclat et la solennité qu’elle mérite.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Thailand

Royal Thai Armed Forces organized CISM Day Run 2011 at RTARF compound on 17 Feb 2011. It is a part of CISM activities in Thailand.

Gen Piroon Palponsong, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces -RTARF, was the chairman to open ceremony which 2,000 participants joined this event including Royal Thai Armed Forces HQs, Army, Navy and Air Force.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Finland

Personnel Division of the Finnish Defence Command (J1) officially advised military branches and garrisons to arrange the CISM Day Run event all over Finland on or close to the 18^h February 2011.

Events were mostly performed by skiing due to the winter conditions in Finland. 

We estimate that at least 3000 soldiers, conscripts and civilians took part in CISM Day Run activities in more than 10 different garrisons around Finland.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Kuwait

In Kuwait, CISM Day Run 2011 took place in April. We conducted a CISM Day Run in Kuwait and about 2500 soldiers all ranks and units participated under the leadership of the Chief of Delegation, Lt-Col. Hammed AL-ONIZY and his staff.

CISM Day Run 2011 in France

In response to the CISM President proposal, French Minister of Defense has approved the organization of an yearly sport activity to commemorate CISM birthday on 18 February. CISM was created in 1948 in France and the 1^st CISM president was the colonel Henri DEBRUS. The principal activities for the CISM Day Run in France were cross country and team sports tournaments.

In 2011, an outdoor sport activity, based on a decentralized organization in each military formation had been conducted. 10 831 people from the French army, navy and air forces have participated to the 63th CISM anniversary.

Inside the Defense National Sports Center on 18^th of February, 200 people from the military sports barracks, the horse centre barracks, the gendarmerie school and a little German team celebrated the creation of the CISM. They gathered in the streets of Fontainebleau to cross the town and to make a picture in front of the castle of Fontainebleau.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Estonia

CISM Day Run 2011 in Chile

The Sports Confederation of National Defense of Chile (CODEF), affiliated to the International Military Sports Council, took part in this anniversary celebration, last 18th February, by inviting the institutions of National Defense, Order and Security to join this important initiative through a run involving military and civil personnel on massive scale.

Sports activities generally raise personnel morale, by performing a wholesome competition, which increases the “esprit-de-corps”, “camaraderie” and physical fitness.  

CISM Day Run 2011 in Czech Republic

CISM Day Run 2011 in Latvia

CISM Day Run 2011 in Algeria

La délégation Algérienne auprès du CISM a organisé, avec succès,  le 18 février 2011, la journée  du cross de l’Amitié par le Sport du CISM (Day Run), pour célébrer  la date de création du Conseil International du Sport Militaire.

Cet événement, qui s’est déroulé a travers tout le territoire, a concerné toutes les unités et structures de formation et d’administration des Forces Armées, avec la participation de 325.000 coureurs militaires (masculins et féminins) de tout grade et de tout âge.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Germany

The German Delegation to CISM organized two events this year with the occasion of CISM Day Run 2011:

1. 3rd German CISM Military Cross Country Cup, 5th February 2011 in Neukirchen
   6 participating Nations:  Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine and Germany;
   600 participants (military - 50) active runners in the age from 7 to 65 years.
2. 3rd CISM European Military Cross Country Championship, 24.-27. February 2011 in Warendorf
   8 participating Nations: Belgium, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey and Germany;
   300 participants (military - 100) active runners in the age from 9 to70 years.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Ecuador

The athletic competition organized by the Ecuadorian Military Sports Federation, to be held in order to celebrate CISM Day Run was realized through the streets of the city of Quito on August 22, 2011, at 07:00am.

With a distance of 10 km covering the southern, central and north of Quito, reaching the goal at the Stadium Olimpico Atahualpa, the run was won by the Ecuadorian Diana Landi in women with a time of 35 minutes and 5 seconds and Colombian Milton Ayala in men, who set a record of 30 minutes and 31 seconds. More than 10,000 athletes have participated in this extraordinary race.

The event had the desired success with the support of the Armed Forces and also with the contribution of the sponsors which gave prominence to the competition. I was a hot morning where the sky stared at our paratroopers Quito who descended to a successful conclusion of the race.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Italy

"The fourth edition of the “Corsa dei Santi” was held in Rome on 1st November 2011 and this year has been designated by the Italian Delegation to CISM as "CISM Day Run." This is now a traditional event for runners of Rome and not only, articulated on a course that starts and arrives in the picturesque Piazza S. Peter, after having touched the most famous monuments of the city.

The race was attended by 4000 participants, of which 450 military personnel and the Chief of Italian Delegation to CISM, Gen. B. Rinaldo SESTILI had the honour to kick off the run.

The event was broadcasted live on one of the most important Italian Network (Channel 5) which dedicated a "TG Special" hosted by journalist Marina RICCI with televisions links and interviews on the place by Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia.

The event, sponsored by the Don Bosco Foundation in the World, was devoted
to the drama of the Horn of Africa, plagued by famine and drought.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Turkey

CISM Day Run 2011-Ankara was organized on the 18th of February 2011 on the occasion of Turkish Armed Forces'  63rd  Anniversary of CISM Membership with the participation of  about 3000 athletes.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Norway

Norway organized the CISM day run event in Oslo in the beginning of February 2011. CISM Ski Day is one of several events that are arranged for employees. The intention is to motivate the military personnel to get an active lifestyle.

It was a good show with many great and eager people who wanted to participate in this CISM ski day. Around 450 people showed up, 300 attended in the 10km skiing. In addition, 52 teams competed in the biathlon relay. The Generals had their own team.

This was not an event only for the best, or an event where you could compete, but an activity to motivate people to exercise.

CISM Day Run 2011 in Romania

During the 3rd week of February, under the patronage of the Romanian Delegation to CISM, in several locations were held sport activities designated to celebrate the foundation of CISM.
These activities were named generic as "Friendship and Fair-Play CISM Trophy".
Around 800 cadets took part in these events. The event was focused on the following directions:

1. Lectures provided by physical education officers from General Staff and Military Academies about the CISM history , activities and aims of the organization;
2. Sport competitions among cadets (male and female except handball) at judo, taekwondo, volleyball and handball (65% male - 35% female);
3. The organizers focused the attention on providing the referees only among cadets under the supervising of military referees;
4. The trophy was given to the team which:
5. Had the lowest number of penalties during the whole competition;
6. Received the highest ranking at the questionnaires delivered by the lecturers about CISM;
7. Had the best results in referring.

At the end of the week, the winner took the Fair-Play Trophy and each participant received CISM Day Run 2011 certificate of participation. Also the CISM flag and anthem were used during the competitions.