By Olayemi Esan
In commemoration of the 2022 anniversary of International Military Sports Council (CISM), the Defence Headquarters Nigeria in collaboration CISM Nigeria conducted on a high note on 5th March, 2022, “CISM Day Run” in Abuja which is a true demonstration of sportive proudness.
CISM Day Run is a special day held every year worldwide, and aims at promoting the practice of sports in the military context, bringing together all community of Sports, including Sports Federations, Olympic Committees, and other International Institutions in contact with the Armed Forces and Ministries of Defense.
The run kicked off at Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja through Yakubu Gowon Barracks and terminated at Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment.
It aimed at strengthening existing bond and espirit-de-corps between the Armed Forces and their counterparts from sister security Agencies.
Welcoming participants, the Chief of Defence Staff, Nigeria, General Lucky Irabor said the 5-Km walk/jog exercise theme of the event, “Running for World Peace,” is apt, especially at a time some world nations are in conflict with each other, in addition to the prevailing insecurity in the country.
General Irabor also said, “This year should be a turn around, a turning point in overcoming all the security challenges facing our nation. And never again shall we have/face the level of insecurity that has plagued our nation.
He lauded the organizers of the event, while also thanking Nigerians for relentlessly supporting the Armed Forces, and other security agencies in their bid to address the challenge of insecurity.
CISM Vice president and OSMA President, Major General Maikano Abdullahi said “CISM Day Run” which was created in 2006 is more than a jogging event, its a day to recall the spirit of our founders.
Maj. Gen Abdullahi added that the event also intends to contribute to world peace and already became a tradition among CISM-family worldwide. Up to now, all member countries have already held at least once the CISM Day Run.
He explained that, CISM Day Run includes short or long distance jogging, walking or skiing. The purpose is to disseminate the CISM motto, “Friendship through Sport”, among millions of soldiers of our 134 member nations, gathering in just one day, under the sport and peace flag, the brothers in arms of the whole world.
On his part, Director of Sports, Defence headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Paul Masiyer who attributed the success of the event to the inspirational leadership and determination of the Chief if Defence Staff, Gen LEO Irabor thanked participants for taking part in this year's CISM Day Run.
CISM has become, with its 133 member nations, its annual world, continental and regional sports calendar, the high level of its competitors (the International Military Sports Council can no longer keep track of the countless world and continental champions who are also renowned for their exploits within civilian competition), one of the biggest sports institution in the world.
CISM was founded on the 18th of February 1948 in Nice (France), the International Military Sports Council (CISM) is one of the largest multidisciplinary organizations in the world. CISM organize various sporting events for the armed forces of its 140 member countries and is one of the global sports organizations in which the largest number of disciplines is represented.
Soldiers, who may previously have met on the battlefield, now meet in friendship on the sports playing field. This is in accordance with the philosophy and the ideals which were set in CISM’s mission statement in 1998, signed by all the member countries.
Recently, the CISM President, Brigadier General Herve Piccirillo visited Nigeria to solicite for more support and partnership with the Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor in Abuja.
The goal of CISM is to promote sport in armed forces, all over the world. By promoting sports, CISM fosters confidence & cohesion amongst soldiers, creates military fit & motivated soldiers, enhances attractiveness of military service, identifies, trains & motivates talents and provides experience by international competition.
In addition, the goal is also to use sport for deconfliction & peace building between countries. "As long as we exist we will promote friendship through sport"!
