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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

Hon. Aldo Tatangelo


Mayor, City of Laredo
1978-1990
"Sportsman of the Year"
Recreation-Health Fitness Centers

 

Aldo Tatangelo, a long-time Laredo sports enthusiast, is the Latin-American International Sports Hall of Fame (Salon de La Fama Latinoamericano de Deporte) Sportsman of the Year for 2003. Tatangelo is being cited by the Latin Sports organization for his 39 years participating as an athlete, financial contributor, volunteer official in Laredo's sports activities. Tatangelo, native of Rhode Island , moved to Laredo in 1963. He got involved in the Laredo life-style through business and civic organizations. Tatangelo got into the political arena and served as Laredo mayor for 12 years from 1978 to 1990. An amateur boxer as a youngster, Tatangelo, who will be 90 on Sept. 16, believes in staying in physical shape. He played baseball and softball well into his 60's. During Tatangelo's tenure as mayor, the city parks and recreation department was developed, which resulted in the start of construction of several parks for Laredo youth and adult recreation. Also, the Mexican League's Nuevo Laredo Tecolotes became Los Dos Laredos Tecolotes as they started playing 22 of their home games at Laredo's West Martin Field, which is now Veterans Field, in 1985. The binational Tecolotes brought Laredo a lot of national and international publicity because of the notoriety that a baseball team was playing in two countries. Tatangelo has been involved in other youth projets, including the Boys and Girls Scouts and was instrumental in starting the Head Start program. One of the Head Start centers bears his name.