Emotional Closing Ceremony of the 5th CISM Military World Winter Games

With a grand ceremony at the Messe Luzern, the 5th CISM Military World Winter Games came to an end—a prestigious sporting event hosted in Switzerland for the first time. Nearly 800 athletes from 42 nations competed for medals over the past week, experiencing unforgettable moments of athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.

4/4/2025

Sport, Friendship, and a Fitting Farewell

A total of 64 medal events across 10 sports and 12 disciplines took place during the Games. However, beyond competition, the event provided participants with the opportunity to discover Switzerland and form new friendships—perfectly embodying the CISM motto “Friendship through Sport”.

The closing ceremony opened with the song “A Celebration of Sports!”, which premiered during the opening ceremony. This was followed by the solemn parade of the flags of all 42 participating nations, carried by athletes who had earned this honor through outstanding performances. With 13 gold medals, France was recognized as the best-performing nation.

Honors for Outstanding Contributions

In recognition of the successful organization of the Games, CISM President Colonel Rolim presented the following awards:

“Commander” to National Council President Maja Riniker

“Officer” to Lieutenant General Thomas Süssli

“Knight” to Major General Germaine J.F. Seewer

The “Fair Play Trophy” was awarded to Switzerland

“Military Champions for Peace” – A Strong Symbol of International Unity

In their closing speeches, the Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, Thomas Süssli, and the President of the Organizing Committee, Major General Germaine Seewer, expressed their gratitude to the 1'800 Swiss Army personnel and numerous volunteers who made these Games possible.

CISM President Colonel Rolim praised Switzerland for its outstanding organization and hospitality before National Council President Maja Riniker officially declared the Games closed. She emphasized her pride in the Swiss Army’s contributions to the event's success.

Over the past few days, these Games have fostered international exchange beyond borders, languages, and military ranks. Two emotional video montages highlighted these memorable moments, showcasing the unifying spirit of the Games.

A Moving Conclusion

The ceremony—like the opening event—was hosted by Cloé and Rainer Maria Salzgeber and accompanied by the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band, along with the Brass Band and Drum Corps. As the event came to an end, the crowd erupted in applause as the Games concluded with the song “We Are the World”, marking a touching and fitting farewell.