Alberto Rodríguez unveils ‘Tanda Extendida’ project in Congress to boost school sports

Santo Domingo.- Alberto Rodríguez Mella, Executive Director of the National Institute of Physical Education (INEFI), presented the new “Tanda Extendida” project to the Chamber of Deputies on Monday. The initiative aims to strengthen school sports across the Dominican Republic by providing public school students with specialized training in various athletic disciplines after regular school hours.

During his presentation, Rodríguez emphasized that the project is designed not only to develop sports skills but also to instill essential values such as discipline, respect, teamwork, and solidarity. “With Tanda Extendida, we are creating a platform where our youth can nurture their talents in a safe and healthy environment, far from the dangers of the streets,” he stated.

The project, which was introduced at the invitation of Deputy Olfanny Méndez from Bahoruco—who also chairs the Chamber’s Sports and Recreation Committee—received broad support from several legislators. Among those endorsing the initiative were deputies Heriberto Aracena, Jonatan Contreras, Juan José Rojas, Jhonny Abreu, Liz Mieses, Abelardo Rutinel, Onivel Aristy, María de los Ángeles, Oscar Morel, Sara Pérez, Franklin Martínez, Juliana Onil, Patricia Núñez, Alex Lara, Gabriela Abreu, Charlie Mariotti hijo, and Jorge Taveras.

Program details and pilot phase

The Tanda Extendida project is structured to offer specialized training in 15 different sports disciplines. In its pilot phase, the program will be implemented at Liceo Unión Panamericana in the National District, with training sessions scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., immediately after school lunch. The range of sports to be featured includes football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, chess, athletics, as well as combat sports at the Olympic Center, swimming at the Olympic Hostel, and gymnastics at the Yamilet Peña Academy.

During the session, the INEFI team also highlighted its recent achievements, which include innovative initiatives like “Recreándome con INEFI,” “Atletas con INEFI,” “INEFI con el Barrio,” and the National School Sports Games Barahona 2023.

Deputy Charlie Mariotti hijo underscored the significance of evolving and maintaining such programs. He pointed out that while students from more affluent families often have access to after-school sports, many young people in greater need do not, and thus, this initiative is particularly impactful.

Institutional support and future outlook

The program has attracted robust institutional backing, including endorsements from Dominican sports legends affiliated with INEFI. These veteran athletes will be involved in evaluating and scouting for promising talent to be integrated into the “Atletas con INEFI” program. The project will be spearheaded by renowned judoka María García, ensuring a strategic and expert-driven approach to the development of future athletes.

Rodríguez concluded by stressing the broader benefits of the initiative: “This program will not only strengthen the sports talents of our youth but also contribute significantly to their overall development, promoting healthy habits and steering them away from social risks.”

With the presentation of Tanda Extendida in Congress, INEFI marks a decisive step in its commitment to advancing physical education and school sports. The project is set to open new pathways for young athletes, paving the way for greater opportunities in national and international sporting arenas while fostering personal growth and community engagement.