Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
Slide Background
previous arrow
previous arrow
next arrow
next arrow

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

Rosana Franco

Rosana Franco


Sports Commentator
Soccer- Baseball- Co-Host Univision's
"Republica Deportiva"
Sunday Sports Show 10-12am- Miami, Florida


Rosana Franco co-hosts "Republica Deportiva." With a lively and particular style, she won the respect as a sports commentator, a difficult task in a profession in which women in Hispanic TV have little presence. Rosana's talent was discovered by Univision. After extensive auditions that took more than three months in the cities of Los Angeles, Miami, Guadalajara and Mexico City, more than 500 candidates were interviewed to become part of the team of "Republica Deportiva," Rosana's charm and personality showed up. "I am aware of the fact that women's pruticipation in sporting events may upset some people, especially at the beginning, but the truth is that I have been very well received by the audience. People, very kindly greet me when they see me and they encourage me to keep on doing my job. I think that through me, women have demonstrated that we like sports and that we can do a good job as commentators," says Rosana. Born in Monterrey, Mexico. Rosana comes from a family of athletes. Her father, Doctor Roberto "El Alfalfa" Vazquez was an outstanding soccer player for the famous team, "Pumas de Ia UNAM" during the 50's. She always loved sports and from an early age she was actively involved in sports. On several occasions. she represented her school in athletics and gymnastics. In high school, she also played Basketball. "I like all sports. When I was a little girl. l used to play everything with my neighbors, from soccer to basketball , and even football. but what I always loved the most was soccer. Everybody knows that is the passion for the World Cup. It's inevitable not to be reached by a sports that excites everyone, says Rosana. Rosana and "The Republica Deportiva" Sunday, 2-hour sports program arc seen on 23 of Uni vision's Television Network Stations in the United States including such major markets as New York City. Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver. Philadelphia, Chicago and San Antonio. It is also viewed in Puerto Rico and other Latin Countries.