Mishall RehmanIn the spirit of friendly competition, 7,300 military athletes from 103 countries have gathered in the Republic of South Korea for the sixth Military World Games (MWG).
These quadrennial games, hosted by the International Military Sports Council (CISM) are considered the third largest sporting event in the world. This year’s theme is “Friendship together, peace forever.” The games are being held in eight sites in the Gyeongsankbuk-do Province from October 2 to 11.
The Canadian Armed Forces’ delegation for these games consists of 202 members including athletes, a team manager, coaches, assistant coaches and trainers.
The CAF is taking part in twelve sports: basketball, fencing, golf, marathon, track and field, sailing, shooting, swimming, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball, both men and women, and soccer.
So far Canada has won two bronze medals. On Oct. 5, Cpt. Hugues Boisvert-Simard won the first medal for Canada, a bronze in fencing. Boisvert-Simard previously won third place at the Pan Am Games earlier this year. The second medal was won by Pte. Angelica Bertucca in Taekwondo.
Significant accomplishments have been made in other areas that the CAF is participating in. Men’s Golf hopes to come back home with a medal as they have advanced to the final round to take place on Oct. 9.
The sixth Military World Games also featured the first CISM Canada track and field relay in the history of the MWG. The athletes achieved a time of 3:30:40 which was a new national mark.
The Republic of South Korea is hosting the 6th Military World Games from 2-11 October 2015. Titled “Friendship together, peace forever”, the Military World Games bring together 7,300 military delegates/athletes from 103 countries to compete in 24 military and traditional sports. The Games are the third largest sporting event in the world. The Games provide to more than 125 Canadian Armed Forces athletes the opportunity to compete and win against some of the world’s best and provide CAF leadership with another unique platform to recognize the exceptional level of fitness and athleticism within the CAF.
The Chief of the Defence Staff General Johnathan Vance congratulated the CAF members in the following statement released, “I want to congratulate all participants on behalf of the entire Canadian Armed Forces for qualifying for the 6th Military World Games. You are our finest athletes and we are confident in your ability to shine on the world stage as you represent all of us at this very important event. Remember, you are not only competitors; you are ambassadors for Canada and for the Canadian Armed Forces.
“The Canadian Forces Sports Program and its ties to CISM not only provides us with the opportunity to compete at a high level, but also enables you to build lasting relationship both within our team and with other military members from around the globe.
“On behalf of the leadership of the Canadian Armed Forces and of every member at all ranks and their families, I wish you good fortune as you strive to accomplish your highest aspirations and personal bests in your sport. Enjoy your time in South Korea and give it your all. Bravo Zulu to all of you.”
In the previous Military World Games held in 2011 in Brazil, the CAF came home with two medals.
CISM was founded in 1948 on the principle of bringing together soldiers who may have once met in battle to meet in a friendly competition through sports. There are 134 member countries making CISM one of the largest sports committees just behind the Olympics.
The next Military World Games will be held in Wuhan, China in 2019.
Top photo: At the Opening Ceremony of the 6th Military World Games was held in Mungyeon, South Korea on the 2nd of October 2015. The Republic of South Korea is hosting the 6th Military World Games from 2-11 October 2015. Titled “Friendship together, peace forever”, the Military World Games bring together 7,300 military delegates/athletes from 103 countries to compete in 24 military and traditional sports. The Games are the third largest sporting event in the world. The Games provide to more than 125 Canadian Armed Forces athletes the opportunity to compete and win against some of the world’s best and provide CAF leadership with another unique platform to recognize the exceptional level of fitness and athleticism within the CAF. Photo: Cpl Michael J. MacIsaac CFSU(O) Imagery ©2015 DND-MDN Canada
