Ten-day event to unite more than 8,000 military athletes from 140+ nations in a global competition to champion peace through sport
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Carolinas Military World Games Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has successfully secured the bid to host the 2027 Military World Games. This historic milestone marks the first time the event will be held on U.S. soil and the first time it has been awarded to a private organization. The LOC was established by The U.S. Performance Center (USPC), a national research and high-performance training facility dedicated to advancing human performance and elite U.S. National Team Athletes through innovation and science, in partnership with The International Military Sports Council (CISM), the governing body of the Military World Games.
The nine-day competition spanning ten days, set for June 25-July 4, 2027, will welcome approximately 8,000 active-duty military athletes from more than 140 nations to compete in 40+ sports, including Olympic disciplines, military competitions, and emerging sports that showcase discipline, resilience, and mutual respect of military service members worldwide. The Games will take place across premier venues throughout North and South Carolina, representing a regional collaboration committed to delivering a world-class experience for athletes and spectators.
The Military World Games, established in 1995 by CISM, is among the largest multi-sport events in the world, and the largest military sporting event globally. Their mission, "Friendship through Sport", reflects a commitment to creating peace, cooperation, and goodwill among the world's militaries.
CISM was founded in 1948, but its legacy traces back to 1919, when Allied military leaders, including U.S. service members, organized the first Inter-Allied Games following World War I to promote peace and friendship through sport. The 2027 Games continue that century-long tradition of uniting nations through athletic competition and camaraderie.
"This is a historic opportunity to bring the world together through sport, service, and shared values," said David Koerner, Co-Chair of the 2027 Military World Games. "Hosting these Games in the Carolinas shines a global spotlight on the city's growing reputation as an international hub for tourism, hospitality, and athletic excellence."
U.S. Military Athletes representing Team USA at the 2019 World Military Games in Wuhan, China
With more than 135,000 active-duty service members and over 1 million military veterans living across the Carolinas, the region represents one of the nation's most deeply rooted military communities. The Games are expected to draw more than 300,000 spectators, generating significant economic impact. Select sports featured in the Games are anticipated to serve as official qualifiers and critical preparation events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, reinforcing its role as an essential stage for athletes looking to advance toward Olympic competition.
"The Military World Games represent the best of humanity - courage, respect, and the pursuit of excellence," said Ike Belk, Co-Chair of the 2027 Military World Games. "As hosts, we're honored to welcome military athletes from around the world and to share the Carolinas' spirit of hospitality, innovation, and service."
The U.S. Performance Center, led by Koerner and Belk, was founded on the belief that elite performance extends beyond physical ability. The organization is dedicated to advancing human potential through cutting-edge performance research and is redefining how athletes and service members train, recover, and perform. Together with the Military World Games, they are positioning Charlotte and the Carolinas as a global stage where the science of training meets the spirit of service.
Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are now available for organizations looking to play a role in this historic global event. To learn more, please contact Ike Belk at [email protected].
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SOURCE The Carolinas Military World Games Local Organizing Committee (LOC)
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