Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point -- Conseil International Du Sport Militaire, or CISM, is known for introducing friendship through sports for our military men and women.
The 2010 CISM women’s volleyball tournament ended with a great day of competition held at the Marine Dome aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., June 1.
“The play that was brought about during this last week was some of the best I’ve seen at this level in a very long time,” said Col. Rinette Hulme, the official CISM Representative for the tournament.
The competitors performed their utmost hoping to bring home the gold, but Brazil was too much for all the teams to handle as it went 6-0, winning every set to take the gold.
“The sportsmanship that each team showed was great,” said Hulme. “The high quality of play and the close bonds that these athletes created made for a great CISM tournament.”
Although sports can get competitive, Hulme said CISM players maintained their fellowship and demonstrated how team players should play and act throughout the tournament.
“This tournament is about bringing together militaries from different countries as a way to show that we are not all that different, and to help bring about peace among nations,” said Col. Jorge Riberio, president of CISM volleyball committee.
“Bringing these countries together helps us see the team spirit that each team brings to the world games,” said Hulme.
“The United States have a unique team spirit,” said Hulme. “Whether it is good or bad that happens to them they always have a lot of energy and a happy attitude.”
After the final games were completed, the athletes changed into their countries’ military dress uniforms and met at the Station Theater for the awards ceremony and awarding of medals.
“The tournament was outstanding and congratulations to all the athletes who both won and who didn’t. You all did an amazing job,” said Col. Douglas A. Denn, the commanding officer for Cherry Point. “When you all go back to your respective countries I hope you take with you the bonds of friendship that you made this week, along with a great memory or two about your stay aboard Cherry Point.”