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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

Ramiro Rangel


Basketball
J.W. Nixon High 1970's
Coach Special Olympics 1980's
(1956-1990)


As an athlete, Ramiro Rangel was a great competitor at Nixon High School in basketball and track. He later went on to play at Laredo Junior College and with semi-pro teams throughout Mexico. While at Nixon, under legendary coach Bill Batey, Ramiro was looked upon by his team mates for inspiration and leadership. Rangel accomplished a lot during his short stay with us as a player, educator/coach and basketball official. It was during his last eight years as a Laredo Independent School District Special Education Coach that he proved to be an admirable individual. He loved and cared for his special kids so much that he started coaching them in basketball and bowling. His kids responded well to his coaching tactics as the squads won numerous trophies at all levels of competition. His teams were known as competitive groups that won at the District, Regional and State level. Former LISD Superintendent Vidal M. Trevino said of Rangel, "He was a very exceptional young man in many ways. It is not everyone who has the God-given ability and love for special education children as Ramiro did. He was an inspiration to Special Education Students and dedicated himself to their betterment in education. He worked closely with his colleagues, the children and they all responded to him with great love and esteem." Ramiro was only 34 years old when he lost his only battle to cancer. He lived life to the fullest. He stood as a role model for a lot of youngsters. He came from a humble background, educated himself and became successful. Ramiro Rangel left us 10 years ago but his spirit, memory, -great deeds, and legacies have lived on among those who knew, respected and loved him.