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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

LT. COL. ROBERTO J. FLORES


Basketball
Honorable Mention All-State
1949


As player, instructor and administrator, Roberto has always had the Tiger
Spirit as he seats on the players bench at all Martin High School athletic functions
and cheers his Alma Mater to victory.
An outstanding athlete while starring for the Red and White, Roberto lettered
four years in basketball and baseball. He was named to the All-District basketball
team both his Junior and Senior years. He captured the districts scoring championship
during his Senior year.
He attended St. Mary's University on a basketball and baseball scholarship.
He pitched the Rattler's to twenty-three victories while losing none. Major league
baseball teams were interested in signing Flores to a professional contract but he
decided to serve in the Armed Services. Flores was player and coach with the
U. S. Army European basketball and baseball teams while stationed overseas.
He was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the Army in 1954 and has served with
the Army Reserve for 22 years being promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel in 1971.
He is active in professional and civic organizations serving as the Washington's
Birthday Celebration President in 1976. He is a member of the Kiwanis and
American legion Post 59.
His wife is the former Adelfa Villarreal of San Antonio.