June 6, 2025: The Mexican Functional Fitness Federation has become the latest iF3 member to gain official government recognition as a National Sports Federation. The Mexican Federation recently gained recognition by the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE), which is Mexico’s governmental body responsible for promoting physical education, recreation, and sports. This recognition allows the sport to become part of the national sport system and will allow the Mexican Federation to receive government funding to further its mission and promote functional fitness in Mexico.
Paulo Duenas, President of the Mexican Federation commented: “Today is a historic day for all of us. With immense pride and deep gratitude, I am pleased to share that México Funcional Fitness Federacion has been officially recognized by CONADE as a National Sports Federation. This achievement is not just the success of an organization; it is the triumph of a community that has believed, fought, and worked tirelessly to see our sport grow.
I want to thank every athlete, coach, judge, affiliate, and Functional Fitness enthusiast who has placed their trust in us. This recognition reflects your passion, discipline, and love for what we do. I am also deeply grateful to my team, who have stood shoulder to shoulder, facing every challenge with unwavering courage and commitment.
A very special thank you to Director of CONADE Mr. Romel Pacheco and his entire team, whose professionalism, dedication, and commitment have been fundamental in achieving this important milestone. Their support has been key throughout this process.
We know this is only the beginning. Now, more than ever, we have the responsibility and the opportunity to build a solid future for our sport, to pave the way for new generations, and to elevate Mexican Functional Fitness to the highest level.
I invite all of you to keep dreaming big, to keep working with heart, and to keep the flame alive that brought us here. This achievement belongs to you — to all of us. May this be the beginning of a new era for Functional Fitness in Mexico!”
iF3 President Gretchen Kittelberger expressed her excitement for the Mexican Federation by saying, “Paulo and his team have been working tirelessly toward the goal of recognition by CONADE ever since he took over leadership of the Mexican Federation in 2022. It has not been an easy road, and they have had to fight hard to prove that our sport was worthy of independent recognition in Mexico. I am incredibly proud of the determination and grit they displayed throughout the entire process and am thrilled they have finally achieved this milestone. Many new opportunities will now open up for athletes, coaches, administrators, and the sport in general because of this recognition. I offer my sincere congratulations to the entire Mexican Federation, and we are grateful to have them as members of the iF3.”
