CISM convenes at Battleship New Jersey

Published Oct. 16, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Sean M. Crowe
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 29th CISM World Wrestling Competition concluded with a closing ceremony and day of leisure Oct. 7, 2014, aboard the historic Battleship New Jersey in Camden, N.J.

The CISM council provided a catered lunch to the competitors and staff before announcing this year's team and individual awards to recognize their achievements during the prestigious event.

The wrestlers endured hundreds of bouts to try to take home a title on behalf of their countries.

"The CISM is an opportunity to take home many titles," said Brazilian Col. George Romero, CISM chief of mission. "But most importantly, I saw friendship demonstrated."

The CISM staff members presented the team awards to as follows.

Romero presented the Men's Freestyle team awards to Mongolia in first place, Kazakhstan in second and India in third. He presented the women's freestyle team awards to China in first place, Mongolia in second and the U.S. in third. Finally, he announced the Greco-Roman team awards to Ukraine in first place , the U.S. in second and Armenia in third.

He also presented individual awards to Air Force 2nd Lt. Sarah Strickland, 87th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports officer, and Floyd Winter, 87th FSS member, to recognize them for their hard work and dedication to hosting the CISM at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

"It was a distinct honor for Col. James Hodges, the joint base and I to host this spectacular competition," said Navy Capt. Christopher Fletcher, JB MDL deputy commander and Naval Support Activity. "I hope you all are able to leave with many new friends."

The Counsiel International du Sports Militaire, or International Military Sports Council, world wrestling event is an annual competition for world-class military wrestlers from 24 countries to convene and compete while simultaneously building friendships and fostering camaraderie through sport, as the CISM motto, "Friendship through Sport" implies.

"I had never been to the U.S. before," said Denisz Meneske, German army wrestler. "It was a great experience to get to visit the U.S. and meet some good people. The competition was tough, but I always go with the same intent to any competition, to give 100 percent."

Many of the wrestlers have their own motivations and experiences, but they all have a common goal: to emerge victorious on behalf of their countries.

"The CISM is a lot like other competitions in difficulty," said Army Sgt. Spencer Mango, Army wrestler and two-time Olympian. "The thing that really sets the CISM apart is you have your service behind you, motivating you making a victory that much more desirable."