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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

Alfonso "Lefty" Valls, Carlos Salinas, Mike Mercado, Angel Colorado


TRACK
Mile and Medley Relay Champions
Kansas Relays
Drake Relays
Texas Relays
Border Olympics
Fat Stock Show
1948

The relay featured two runners from Laredo, Alfonso (Lefty) Valls and Carlos Salinas, and El Paso's Angel Colorado and the late Mike Mercado. The foursome placed small East Texas State on the sports map, winning several prestigious track meets around the nation. They took titles at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa; the Kansas Relays in Lawrence; the Texas Relays in Austin and the Border Olympics in Laredo. The Valls family has furnished Laredo with top athletic talent. Lefty's brothers, Mike, John, Willie and the late Luis Valls, were track standouts. The Valls brothers made history at the 1948 Border Olympics. All competed in different divisions. John ran for Baylor, Lefty for East Texas and Willie for Martin High. In 1941, Lefty and Salinas qualified for the state schoolboy track meet in the hurdles and 440 dash. Both had sour luck at state. Lefty fell on the last hurdle after being the favorite and Salinas was disqualified after winning on a bumping incident. Salinas now makes his home in Del Rio. Lefty is a teacher - businessman. Mercado and Colorado ran for El Paso Bowie High. Mercado, who died in California some five years ago, was the state high school 440 champion. Colorado still lives in El Paso and works for that city's health department.