Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
previous arrow
previous arrow
next arrow
next arrow

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

Odilon "Odie" Arambula


Sportsman of the Year
Laredo Morning Times Editor
"Friend of the Youth"

Odilon "Odie" Arambula, editor of the Laredo Morning Times newspaper, and a long-time sports enthusiast and community leader, is the Latin-American International Sports Hall of Fame "Sportsman of the Year" for 2004 Arambula is cited by the Latin Hall, as who, through his profession, has promoted the awareness and support of sports, education, humanitarian programs youth activities for the betterment of Laredo and the South Texas community) He is a graduate of Martin High School, Laredo Junior College and the University of Texas School of Journalism where he was a staff writer and sports editor for the school's newspaper The Daily Texan. A highlight of his 32 years at the Laredo Morning Times came in the Year 2001, when he was recognized with the Hearst Corporation Newspapers "Eagle Award." Throughout his career as a newspaperman, Arambula has worked with countless volunteer groups serving on some 23 boards and as President of organizations like the Ruth Cow I Rehabilitation Center, the 8 .E.S .T. organization, Washington's Birthday Celebration Association, South Texas Food Bank, Kiwanis Club, Little League Baseball, and the UT School Journalism Alumni, among others. He was recently honored with the Kiwanis "Paul Harris Award" for service to community and the Lulac Council No. 12's "Tejano Achievers" recognition for "preserving and promoting our Latino and Tejano culture."