History of the Sports and Physical Education Service
We would like to introduce you to the service responsible for the physical fitness of Mexico's military.
What is the Sports and Physical Education Service?
The purpose of this service is to train specialists in physical education, who will then be assigned to instruct Mexican Army and Air Force personnel in sports, along with the civilian population, as social projects to benefit Mexico.
Heraldry of the shield
This consists of a pelota mixteca (Mixtec-style ball) player superimposed on an olive green combat helmet. It alludes to the presence of sports since pre-Hispanic times and its importance to Mexican soldiers.
Historical background
The School of Sport and Physical Education was created in 1926, under the Directorate of the Military College, with the purpose of unifying instruction procedures in Physical Education for the squad's cadets.
Military medals for "Sports merit" (1935) by Photographic Archive of Mexican Ministry of Defense SEDENAMinistry of National Defense of the Government of Mexico
Military sports awards
In recognition of members of the Army and Air Force who distinguish themselves in the various branches of sport, representing the Armed Forces in national and international competitions, the Sports Merit Award was established on August 14, 1935.
Swinning team of the Mexican Army (1940) by Photographic Archive of Mexican Ministry of Defense SEDENAMinistry of National Defense of the Government of Mexico
Diverse disciplines for diverse abilities
National swimming team, formed by cadets of the military school in 1940, under the command of the staff sergeant and swimming instructor Manuel Valle Alvarado.
Basketball teams of the Military College and the "Morelos" French College (1945) by Photographic Archive of Mexican Ministry of Defense SEDENAMinistry of National Defense of the Government of Mexico
Interinstitutional sports events
1945 saw the announcement of sports activities with civilian educational institutions, such as basketball games between the Francés Morelos School and the Military School.
Cadets team of Military College for boxing discipline. (1946) by Photographic Archive of Mexican Ministry of Defense SEDENAMinistry of National Defense of the Government of Mexico
Outstanding in various disciplines
This was the case for the Military School's boxing team, which set itself apart thanks to its key participation in various competitions in 1946.
Mexican Army Soldiers, running the sports race of the military disciplines. (1969) by Photographic Archive of Mexican Ministry of Defense SEDENAMinistry of National Defense of the Government of Mexico
Discipline: key to being an athlete and a soldier
Army and Air Force personnel require physical and mental strength, which are indispensable characteristics when it comes to performing their duties well. In this photograph from 1969, personnel participate in the Arms Race, demonstrating discipline and courage.
Cadets of the MIlitary College performing Martial Arts (1969) by Photographic Archive of Mexican Ministry of Defense SEDENAMinistry of National Defense of the Government of Mexico
Sport is evolving within the Army and Air Force.
Participating in sports leads to improved physical and intellectual performance and contributes to their professional readiness. Martial arts involve a high degree of discipline that reconciles with military training. This image from 1969 illustrates combat between cadets.
Soccer team of the Mexican Army and Air Force (1987) by Photographic Archive of Mexican Ministry of Defense SEDENAMinistry of National Defense of the Government of Mexico
Mexico is our team!
In 1987, the Army and Air Force Soccer team was crowned champion of the Miguel Alvarez Junco League of the first Amateur Division of the Spanish league, demonstrating its strong competitive level thanks to the coaches of the Sports and Physical Education Service.
Soldiers in physical training (1998) by Photographic Archive of Mexican Ministry of Defense SEDENAMinistry of National Defense of the Government of Mexico
Teamwork: The key to military sport.
Practicing sport in the Mexican Army and Air Force is essential, as it helps to unite our military forces, fosters fellowship and helps team problem-solving, as seen in this photo from 1998.
Formalizing its existence
The Sub-Directorate of Sports and Physical Education took office on October 1, 2018 and coordinates internal sports activities as well as national and international sports competitions, in which military personnel of Mexico's Army and Air Force take part.
Present day
Today, men and women in Mexico's Army and Air Force are training constantly in Sports and Physical Education, which has allowed them to stay in excellent shape and helps them to accomplish their missions with promptness, strength and determination.
Sport as a way of life.
Training programs in Mexico's Army and Air Force units, as well as in the schools under the Military Education System, include the practice of sports activities and physical education as a fundamental pillar in their training.
Mexican Soldier of special forces, passing obstacles in a race (2023) by Ministry of National Defense SEDENAMinistry of National Defense of the Government of Mexico
Worthy representatives of our institution
The constant practice of sports and physical activities has allowed personnel from this institute to participate in national and international competitions, both military and civilian. They have obtained very satisfactory results and even reached the podium in various competitions.
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