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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

Olaf Heredia

To be considered a legendary goalkeeper, it is believed that one is more than an effective shot-stopper and a perfect physical specimen.

 

For many, legends are ones that are inspirational and who serve to reassure their team that they can afford to take chances or suffer missteps knowing that they have a dependable backup. It is the legends that rise to the occasion and pledges to fans and their countrymen that they will block the shot and not allow to be scored upon. For Olaf Heredia, his success, influence and inspiration has reached beyond borders and culture and has won more than titles and prizes but the hearts and minds of his peers, fans and followers. Heredia, born Carlos Olaf Heredia Orozco in Apatzingan, Mexico, is the fifth of seven children and remains the pride of many Latinos who have followed his career with the Pumas (1978-1984), Tigres (1984-1987), Morelia (1978-1990), Cruz Azul (1990-1993), and Santos Laguna (1993-1997).

Among the most outstanding of his career is that of playing in the FIFA World Cup for Mexico in 1986. Olaf Heredia is among the great Latino role models such as Luis de la Fuente and Andres Guardado who set the standards for the future generations of athletes. As the most popular sport in the world, soccer has had a great impact on the United States primarily attributed to the growing majority of political Latino markets becoming more involved with Major League Soccer.

Olaf, among the known and unknown, is one who will continue to serve as a great source of inspiration for generations to come and it is appropriate that he is honored and recognized during this special 40th anniversary when we unite to remember and preserve all memories of leaders before. All symbolize the levels of fitness and dedication that sportsmen like Heredia endorses and that is of practice and training, which is what leads to success.