Santo Domingo – The National Institute of Physical Education (INEFI) celebrated its 28th anniversary with a mass, as part of the annual institutional activities. The ceremony was led by the CEO, Alberto Rodríguez Mella, who expressed gratitude to God and the collaborators for the achievements made during his tenure. The Eucharist was officiated by Father Andrés Tapia de la Rosa at the Cristo Salvador parish.
INEFI’s work aligns with the vision of President Luis Abinader, who prioritizes education, youth, and the integral development of the Dominican population.
Alberto Rodríguez MellaRodríguez Mella highlighted INEFI’s commitment to this vision, recognizing the effort of technicians, teachers and collaborators, as well as the physical education community nationwide. The executive director highlighted that INEFI has responsibly taken on the task of strengthening physical education and school sports as tools for social transformation.Rodríguez Mella recognized the progress made thanks to teamwork and planning. Figures such as Elvis Duarte, INEFI’s Deputy Director General; César Ruiz, financial and administrative advisor; Luisín Mejía Oviedo, president of Centro Caribe Sports and member of the IOC; General Jacobo Mateo Moquete, Director of Sports of the National Police; and Colonel Pilot Osvaldo Pérez Félix, of the Dominican Republic Air Force, were present at the mass. Also in attendance were Eddy González, technical director of INEFI; Esteban Pérez Polanco, former director of INEFI; Professor Nelson Ramírez; Napoleón Calzado, president of the Dominican Federation of Professional Baseball Players; federation leaders, athletes and immortals of Dominican sport.We firmly believe that sport not only shapes athletes, but better citizens: young people with values, discipline, respect and a sense of belonging.
Alberto Rodríguez MellaHistory of INEFI
The National Institute of Physical Education (INEFI) was created in 1998 by Law No. 33-98. The history of INEFI dates back to 1912, with the appointment of the first School Physical Education teachers. In 1929, the first general director of Physical Education and Sports was appointed. In 1959, the General Directorate of School Physical Education was created, dependent on the Secretariat of State for Education and Fine Arts. In 1975, he became part of the Secretariat of State for Sports, Physical Education and Recreation. In 1978, it was integrated again into the Secretariat of State for Education.
