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About The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

In the United States, there are Sports Halls of Fame that honor professional and amateur athletes in football, basketball, track, tennis, baseball and other sports. There are also ethnic halls of fame that recognize outstanding athletes from different groups including Italian, Jewish, Irish and blacks to name a few. But, there was not a single sports hall of fame that would recognize, honor and salute the outstanding accomplishments/achievements and contributions of our Latino/Hispanic Sports Heritage not only from the United States but also those who came to this country from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Central and South America and from the vast talent from the Caribbean Islands. The Latin-American International Sports Hall of Fame/Salon de Ia Fama Latinoamericano del Deporte was organized in Laredo, Texas in 1974. At first it was to celebrate, honor and promote local and regional individuals who had excelled at their particular sport but soon it opened the doors to include National and International Professional Athletes. It also recognizes as Sportsman of the Year individuals who continue to preserve and enhance our Latino culture, values and educational opportunities for our youth and who contribute to the betterment of the City of Laredo and South Texas. There have been since its inception an equal recognition of women athletes inductees. It was important to find role models for our youth and the organizers wanted to include all ages, regardless of sex in their programs. The Latin Hall was also created to promote economic development and stimulate business activity in downtown Laredo when local businesses are contracted to provide services to our inductees, their families and guests who visit Laredo during the annual 3-day welcome reception, media luncheon and induction banquet celebration weekend. Through the years. (1975-2014), and with limited amount of funds the organization has, had the opportunity to help the youth of our community with scholarships and other youth activity fundraisers. Plans are to have a Latin Sports International Hall of Fame Museum (downtown) (soon) which will be a first for the United States and to provide clinics (free of charge) to instruct our youth in different sports.

Mission

The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1975 to recognize individuals with good and proper standing in the community, high morals and values and who have excelled in sports and/or have contributed to the promotion of sports and goodwill in the Latino community.


Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

47th Annual Induction Banquet

Juan Francisco "Kiko" Farias


Baseball Coach
Laredo Optimist Little League Team
Texas State Play-offs- Final Four- Breckendridge 1964


The late Juan Francisco "Kiko" Farias, Little League coach, who devoted 21 summers of his life unselfishly and with pride to the children of Laredo is the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame "Sportsman of the Year" for 1999 in baseball. Kiko, as he was affectionately called, participated in basketball and football at Martin High School. In 1956, he began his Little League coaching career as an assistant to Coach Celestino Camarillo of the Sioux team, a member of the newly formed Indian Nations Little League. The league was later renamed the Optimist Little League. Little League in the 1950's and 1960's was the summertime activity in Laredo. Its importance to the children of Laredo, especially those from low income families, cannot be overemphasized. His involvement in the team gave him an opportunity to work with young children. During the 21 years he was directly involved with Little League, he became known for fielding strong teams with excellent fundamentals, discipline and respect. Coach Farias had ten pennant-winning League teams and as manager of the All-Star Teams he won four District Championships. In 1964, he managed the Optimist All-Star Team to the Texas State Championship Tournament Final Four. This team was the first in Laredo history to reach the State Finals. While not winning at State, his team was awarded the "Good Sportsmanship" trophy for its on and off field behavior. Kiko Farias' most lasting and important contribution to Laredo Little League is not the number of games or pennants he won but the lasting impression he left on the kids whose lives he touched. He instilled pride and respect in each and every individual and a sense of being able to become the best each could be.