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JBSA News
NEWS | April 7, 2008

Potential Olympians to compete at CISM tournament here

By Tony Perez 37th Training Wing Public Affairs Office

Lackland Air Force Base will be hosting the Council of International Military Sports Basketball Tournament from April 14-22.

This is the second time Lackland has hosted one of CISM's sporting events. In 1998, Lackland hosted the council's boxing tournament.

Seven countries are slated to compete during the weeklong competition. Military teams from Greece, Italy, Korea, Canada, Latvia and Lithuania will join the United States team in a tournament that will feature Olympic-style pool play.

Because some of the other countries use their best athletes at the CISM tournament, there is chance to watch a potential 2008 Olympic medal team at Lackland.

The teams will arrive April 12 and 13, when they will settle in and have a chance to practice. Opening ceremonies will take place April 14 at the Lackland Parade Grounds at 9 a.m.

On April 14, games are scheduled to be played at 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Chaparral Fitness Center.

Games scheduled to be played April 15 through April 21 will take place at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Chaparral Fitness Center.

April 22 will feature the championship games beginning at 9 a.m. The silver medal game will be at noon and the gold medal game begins at 3 p.m. at the Chaparral Fitness Center. All the events and games are free to the public.

Following the final game, there will be a closing ceremony where individual awards and team awards will be presented. At that point, the United States will pass the CISM flag to Lithuania, next year's host country for the basketball tournament.

Currently, CISM is the largest authority for military sports activity in the world, and it comprises 130 countries.

In 2005, Lithuania earned a silver medal in the CISM tournament.

In order to provide these countries with the best experience possible, Fitness and Sports Director Steve Reichert is hoping to gather a large team of volunteers.

"This is going to require an extensive volunteer effort from Team Lackland," said Reichert.

Drivers for foreign dignitaries, airport logistical support, dorm attendants, team liaisons and guides and a basketball game staff will all be needed for the CISM event.

"This is a unique opportunity to excel and show involvement with an international military sporting event that should be fun as well," Reichert said.

If you are interested in volunteering to support this effort, please contact the Fitness and Sports Office at 671-0854 or 2632.