Charlotte Set to Host Historic 2027 Military World Games in the U.S.

Charlotte Set to Host Historic 2027 Military World Games in the U.S.

FIRST ON FOX: In a groundbreaking development, the 2027 Military World Games will occur in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the inaugural hosting of this prestigious event in the United States.

The last Military World Games unfolded in Wuhan, China, in October 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged from that city, resulting in a lengthy hiatus for the games of nearly eight years.

When the games return in 2027, they will occur amid two significant international sporting events also scheduled in the U.S.: the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This timing promises to create a vibrant atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike.

President Donald Trump will oversee these significant events. Having played a crucial role in bringing the World Cup and Olympics to America during his first term, he acknowledges Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as integral to securing approval for the Military World Games in North Carolina, according to event co-chair Eli Bremer.

Bremer informed Fox News Digital that Hegseth provided the final authorization for the U.S. to host the games.

“His vision for the U.S. military, creating warriors, aligns so precisely with the mission of the U.S. military engaging in elite sports,” Bremer stated. “This aligns exceptionally well with the fresh leadership approach in the military. It offers a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. military to attract remarkable talent that coincides with Secretary Hegseth’s vision and the broader Trump administration’s goals.”

As a major in the Air Force Reserve Command and a former modern pentathlete who competed in the 2008 Olympics, Bremer reflected on his experiences alongside athletes from key military adversaries in previous Military World Games. He foresees the 2027 event fostering human connections amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

“As a young officer, I interacted with athletes from Iran and North Korea during those events. It allowed Americans to build contacts with representatives from other countries, showcasing that we are real people,” Bremer explained.

The International Military Sports Council (CISM), which organizes the games, stands as the world’s second-largest multi-discipline sports organization, just behind the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

CISM President Nilton Romil from Brazil shared with Fox News Digital that considerable hurdles existed in facilitating the games’ launch in the U.S. Nevertheless, the committee persevered through a robust and competitive process, underscoring the event’s symbolic significance in promoting global peacekeeping.

“Challenges included navigating the complexities of hosting a large-scale international event for the first time on U.S. soil. We needed to manage security, diplomatic protocols, and ensure infrastructure compliance with CISM standards. However, our shared commitment and vision helped us achieve success,” Romil stated.

The historical significance of hosting the games in the U.S. cannot be understated. Western allies have historically participated actively in CISM, with the U.S. supporting its mission since inception. Hosting the games on American soil signals a clear commitment to global peace and unity, transcending mere strategic alliances to encompass shared human values.

Romil further emphasized that by hosting the games, the U.S. is demonstrating leadership in fostering peaceful international military engagement through athletics, cultural exchange, and global solidarity.

Notably, three of the last four Military World Games occurred in BRICS nations, with China hosting in 2019, Brazil in 2011, and India in 2007. The return of the event to the U.S. marks the first time it will be held in a G7 nation since Italy hosted it in 2003.

For many American veterans and former athletes, the 2027 games will represent a proud milestone. Former U.S. Olympian Chad Senior, who competed in the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics in modern pentathlon and served in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as an Army special forces veteran, commented that the games will take place during a crucial period. He perceives the military landscape in the U.S. as increasingly divided.

“Policies in this administration are evolving, leading to polarization. People seem to strongly embrace or adamantly oppose them, with fewer remaining neutral,” Senior noted.

He went on to ponder whether the games could offer a shift in perspectives. “These World Military Games exist to foster dialogue. Whenever different militaries connect in a friendly sports environment rather than on the battlefield, it’s a positive development for everyone involved,” he added.

Former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who represented Colorado, celebrated the selection of Charlotte as the venue for the upcoming Military World Games. Campbell, who participated in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and served in the Air Force during the Korean War, expressed enthusiasm about the announcement.

“Hearing that the World Military Games are coming to the United States thrilled me. My experiences taught me that there is a direct connection between the discipline and dedication required for elite athletes and members of an elite fighting force. Competition invariably pushes both groups to achieve higher levels of performance,” Campbell shared.

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