Mexico City, May 21 – The Mexico City Congress has overwhelmingly approved the creation of a new Sports Secretariat, a move that recognizes sport as a human right and a powerful tool for social transformation. The measure, passed with a qualified majority of 57 votes in favor, zero against, and zero abstentions, signifies a significant step forward for public health and community development in the capital.
New Secretariat to Boost Physical Activity and Social Inclusion
During Thursday’s Ordinary Session, and with the presence of Javier Hidalgo, head of the Institute of Sport (INDEPORTE), deputies approved the reform of various provisions of the Organic Law of the Executive Power and Public Administration of Mexico City. This legislative action paves the way for a more robust and comprehensive approach to sports policy.
Deputy Víctor Hugo Lobo Rodríguez, in his justification of the ruling, emphasized that the new Secretariat will strengthen physical activation, promote community sports, support high-performance athletes, foster the inclusion of people with disabilities, advance substantive equality, and leverage sport as a tool for physical and mental health.
Sport as a Human Right and Tool for Transformation
As President of the Commission on Regulations, Studies, and Parliamentary Practices, Lobo Rodríguez highlighted that the ruling also formally recognizes sport as a human right. He underscored its role as an instrument for social transformation, public health, the reconstruction of social fabric, and the well-being of millions of people.
“We are talking about a public policy with a vision for the future. A policy that understands that sport transforms lives; that a recovered court can change the destiny of a community; that a girl or boy who finds opportunities in sport also finds discipline, values, identity, and hope,” he stated.
Lobo Rodríguez also praised the Mexico City Government’s efforts in this area, including the recovery of public and sports spaces, the rehabilitation of courts, and the promotion of community sports. He acknowledged the city’s commitment to massive physical activation activities and the strengthening of international sporting events, which have positioned the capital as a global reference.
“Today we see parks full of life; active sports units; girls and boys practicing sports in their communities, and young people finding an alternative for development and well-being in sport. This demonstrates that when there is political will and social vision, results arrive,” the congressman affirmed.
Cross-Party Collaboration for the New Initiative
Lobo Rodríguez stressed that the drafting of this ruling was a result of contributions from all parliamentary groups, demonstrating dialogue, openness, and a willingness to build consensus despite differences. “Ideas, proposals, and observations from different political forces were taken into account, because when it comes to the well-being of the people, the right thing to do is to build together.”
Deputy Elizabeth Mateos Hernández commended the visionary leadership and social sensitivity of the Head of Government, Clara Brugada Molina, for her proposal to create the Sports Secretariat. “It is one of the smartest investments with the greatest social impact we can make. Sport is a powerful tool to prevent chronic-degenerative diseases; combat addictions; keep our youth away from crime, and rebuild the social fabric in our neighborhoods, districts, and towns,” she asserted.
Enhanced Institutional Capacity and Budget
The President of the Local Public Administration Commission explained that elevating sport to the rank of a Secretariat will provide Mexico City with a robust institution, equipped with its own budget and long-term planning capacity, as well as the legal authority to coordinate efforts across the 16 boroughs.
Frida Jimena Guillén Ortiz, a PAN party member, emphasized that sport serves as a mechanism for social intervention, capable of transforming social dynamics and generating opportunities for future generations. She applauded the transition from INDEPORTE to the Sports Secretariat, viewing it as a strategic decision to strengthen the capital government’s capacity by highlighting sport as a true tool for the common good.
Finally, Deputy Xóchitl Bravo Espinosa, from MORENA, affirmed that the creation of the Sports Secretariat will guarantee the right to sport for all citizens. She also highlighted that the new dependency will function as a mechanism to steer young people away from violent practices.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment for Mexico City, promising a future where sport plays an even more central role in the lives of its residents, fostering healthier communities and promoting social cohesion.
Source: https://www.congresocdmx.gob.mx/comsoc-crea-secretaria-deporte-ciudad-mexico-7514-1.html
