December 11, 2023, will go down as an historic day for the Federación Deportiva Nacional Chilena de Fútbol Americano (FDNFA).

Already recognized by the Chilean Olympic Committee, on Monday the FDNFA received full membership within Chile’s Olympic Committee, making the nation’s American football federation eligible entitled to voice their opinions and vote within the sporting organization.

“We were received in an assembly where all the federations of our country from various sports, which have won different international competitions and participated in the Olympics throughout history, were present,” explained FDNFA president Monica Saldias. “It was a super exciting and emotional moment for us to be part of this ceremony and to be with the highest authorities of our sport in the country. So, like many countries around the world, we are among the federations that have achieved this full and absolute membership. This makes us very proud.”

Achieving the significant milestone of entering the Olympic movement in Chile and having the support and backing of the National Olympic Committee will help the FDNFA to promote flag and tackle disciplines in Chile and enter international tournaments. Chile began participating internationally in 2021 at the IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Israel and entered men’s and women’s teams at the 2023 IFAF Americas Flag Football Championships in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“We are a relatively young federation and despite having limited resources and time, we are always at the forefront, striving to succeed,” added Saldias. “We also support IFAF in its goal to grow the worldwide interest in our sport.”

Photo: FDNFA