North Carolina is making a strategic bid to host the 2027 Military World Summer Games in Charlotte, an event that could potentially bring an estimated $3 billion in revenue to the state. This substantial economic opportunity hinges on the Department of Defense’s support, which is a critical requirement for the United States to win the bid over its competition, South Africa.
In a recent commitment, Undersecretary of Defense for personnel and readiness, Ashish Vazirani, acknowledged receipt of a letter from lawmakers and confirmed that his team is reviewing North Carolina’s bid. He stated, “The team is starting to review that. I’m looking forward to seeing the recommendation coming from the team, and Senator, I commit to ensuring that we pass that recommendation forward.” The International Military Sports Council, which created the games in 1995 to foster camaraderie among the world’s militaries through friendly competition, will be considering this bid as part of the selection process.
Highlighting the significant potential of hosting the games, Senator Ted Budd emphasized the suitability of North Carolina for the event, noting its sports venues, colleges, and transportation systems as key assets. In his communication with Vazirani, Budd reiterated these points, stating, “The showcase of militaries from across the globe competing in sports is a noble cause and opportunity to highlight United States values and national pride.”
The bid has bipartisan support within the state’s political sphere, with Senator Thom Tillis and a majority of North Carolina’s U.S. representatives co-signing the letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, urging for assistance in bringing the games to the United States.
The Military World Games is a multi-sport event, held annually with military personnel from around the world competing in traditional sports like archery, boxing, diving, and triathlons, as well as military-specific competitions such as orienting, aeronautical pentathlon, military pentathlon, and naval pentathlon. Hosting the games could not only boost North Carolina’s economy but also serve as a platform to showcase the strength and diversity of the United States military and its values.
Senator Budd’s advocacy reflects a broader desire to not only secure the games for the benefits they offer but also to send a positive message to military athletes and the community at large. He said, “I hope the DOD — yourself — would give us all the time and consideration. What does it say to our military athletes and communities that we don’t even attempt to secure the games? So thank you for your best effort there in forwarding this along.”
With the decision yet to be made, the Department of Defense’s recommendation will be a decisive factor in whether Charlotte will be able to welcome the world’s military athletes in 2027. For North Carolina, the bid represents not only a chance for economic gain but also an opportunity to highlight its strategic capabilities, support for military personnel, and commitment to fostering international goodwill through sport.
Relevant articles:
– Military World Games Tease $3 Billion in Revenue for North Carolina. Will Pentagon Agree to Host?, Military, 05/10/2024
– Military World Games tease $3 billion in revenue for NC. Will Pentagon agree to host?, Yahoo Sports, 05/09/2024
– Berger rejects Democrats’ use of Gov Ops, The Bharat Express News, 05/10/2024