We all know that CISM has a very strong campaign to bring peace to the world through sports. But allow me to tell the story of how it started for you today. First, let’s go back a few years ago…
The world takes a deep breath in 1945 when it ended the World War II but didn’t las long for the world to witness another tense moment in history. In 1947, the world saw the Cold War. During this war the world was divided into the Western Alliance and the Eastern Alliance and owing to the deterrence power of nuclear weapons.
A tense war, as it was, wreaked havoc on all sections of society. In the meantime, CISM was fighting to have more quality in sports, but this time CISM had a different point of view, they wanted soldiers on the sports field under the motto: "Friendship through sports".
CISM has set up a special committee to work on this idea of peace. The Secretary General was elected as Executive Council of the International Council of Sports Sciences and Physical Education (ICSSPE). In continuing the cause, CISM realized that the collaboration of other institutions is very important.
In 1965, the CISM authorities had the honor of visit Papa Paulo VI, who stressed the importance of sport in the development of mutual understanding and the sense of universality between nations.
1991's was the year that end Cold War. Since the Soviet Union (USSR) had dissolved, the war was over and the CISM was directly affected. In a short time, CISM won 15 members, between 1992 to 1995. As always, the message of peace was present, as in 1995 CISM organized 1st Military World Games in Rome. They took advantage of this event to symbolically celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Jumping to 1999, happen the next sporting event, in Croatia, just a few months after the war of Kosovo and 4 years after the Independence War of Croatia. The croatian delegation of CISM was responsible of the Second World Military Games in Zagreb. Was a huge sucess, then CISM worked hard for more important projects and committed to participate in sport and peace initiatives.
The next post will show you the history after years 2000’s…. Wait for it!
I hope you enjoy it our little history class, today!
See you soon,
