Team Brazil took first place in the 2016 Conseil International Du Sport Militaire (CISM) World Military Women’s Basketball Championship July 29 at Camp Pendleton, California. During the last seconds of the final game, Brazil scored a basket to defeat the United States’ team 61-60. Both teams had gone undefeated all week.
”The focus and the effort displayed by all of the players demonstrates that pride they have representing their nation and their military,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “It was evident to me by all the close games and excitement, especially in the last game.”
During the closing ceremony, Killea presented the second place medals to the United States’ team, which was comprised of 12 active duty serve members from bases and stations across the nation.
Chinese Army Maj. Gen. Kaiping Ma, the official CISM representative, presented the third place medals to Team China.
“For all the other nations, even though you did not get any medals, your performance reflected the fortitude of military legend and exceptional professionalism. Therefore, you deserve everyone’s respect,” said Ma.
Canada, France and Germany also competed in the tournament July 25 through July 29.
“Our countries’ actions wave a solemn signal to the world,” said Ma. “It’s a military person’s duty to stop war and to make peace. I should say we a have accomplished a wonderful job this week and have enough reason to be proud for what we have done.”
With the tournament at an end, the teams shared one more day together during a cultural trip to Sea World on July 30, providing another positive way for the players from the participating nations to connect.
“I’d like to remind you of the enormous efforts made by the U.S. Armed Forces and its delegation to CISM,” said Ma. “Their excellent organization, thoroughly planned support, and the warm hospitality guaranteed the total success of this championship.”
Players from the six nations flew home July 31 with the hope of meeting again next year at the 2017 World Military Women’s Basketball Championship.
To learn more about CISM and their international military sports tournaments, go to: http://www.milsport.one.