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
David Montes Inspiration Award
The Laredo Tennis Association’s Tennis for the Blind and Visually Impaired

After the past 3 years of coming to tennis class each week, 8 young Blind & Visually Impaired youngsters are feeling like REAL TENNIS PLAYERS AND ATHLETES. 

Being given the honor of selection to receive the David Montes Inspiration Award from the International Latin Sports Hall of Fame means these youngsters are learning that they have done something special. THEY ARE THE EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS. They are the example of PERSEVERANCE through the tenacity they demonstrated in  not just learning a new sport, but learning the sport with no vision.  

They are the example of COMMITMENT by coming each and every week to learn not just the rules and skills of the sport of tennis, but how to listen for and swing at a ball with bells to get it across the net. They are the example of COURAGE by taking the risk of stepping out on a modified tennis court and playing in a competitive tennis tournament. This honor is not about these youngsters “ fitting in” the expectations that others give them, but BEING THE EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW.

Tennis for the Blind is still unheard of in many parts of the world, but through active promotion and exhibitions, the Laredo Tennis Association’s objective is that the sport will become an integral part of a blind person’s choice of activities and hobbies. The Laredo Tennis Association’s Tennis for the Blind and Visually Impaired program has been empowering individuals since November 2013 when Miradas De Esperanza, a Reynosa based foundation, taught and trained local volunteers and coaches to develop a tennis curriculum created specifically for extraordinary players with very unique needs; Barbara Buitron, Samantha Figueroa, Daniela Gutierrez,  Cruz Ramos, Cristina Sanchez, Emmanuel Saucedo, and Lupita Ventura were the first student players to enroll in the program, and Sergio Garcia, Saul Leal, and Denise Ramos joined thereafter.  

Tennis is for everyone and the game can be adapted to accommodate any age, environment, condition, or disability. This program is no exception and made possible due to tactile court boundaries that players can feel and safely step over as well as lighter, smaller, racquets and special low compression balls that jingle from ball bearings or bells as they bounce. Visually impaired players are given two bounces to track the ball, while blind players are allowed three bounces.  Under the direction of USPTA certified Coach Mateus Campos, and with the enduring support of relentless volunteers, “[players] feel good about what they are doing. They feel like if they can do [tennis] they can do anything.” 

Personalized lesson plans and individualized attention, has opened player’s and parent’s hearts to tennis, and it wasn’t long before they showed great pride and excitement in their merits. In addition to attending their weekly Tennis skill classes  at the Laredo Parks & Rec and Leisure facilities, players have competed in Friendship Tennis tournaments both locally and out of town;  in February of 2016 the team and their parents, with the support of UISD., traveled to Mission, TX to represent Laredo in the 2nd Annual Friendship Tournament. In October of 2016, the Laredo Tennis Association held a tournament by the same name in St. Augustine High School with the assistance of volunteers from the St. Augustine, Alexander, and Cigarroa tennis team.  The inaugural tournament had over twenty competitors from Laredo, Austin, and McAllen compete in three divisions with all players receiving participation certificates with a custom Braille inscription and 1st and 2nd place winners were awarded medals. 

 The program’s success has heavily relied on the unwavering support of Laredo Parks and Rec Recreation Center’s Superintendent, Anita Stanley. Players also participate in a UISD’s  Special Education Summer Tennis Camp; for three years now, players receive instruction three weeks in June twice weekly at the Antonio Gonzalez Middle School gymnasium. The Laredo Tennis Association also looks forward to a partnership with LISD’s Special Education Department beginning 2017. 

The Laredo Tennis Association is interested in inviting any young person from 10 years to college to participate in the program. “After a lifetime on the sidelines, the blind and visually impaired are getting an opportunity to step on the court and build confidence thanks to the Laredo Tennis Association” say Jason Mack of the Laredo Morning Times. This God-driven opportunity is funded by community donations and major sponsors: The Lauro Lopez Foundation and Trevino Eye Clinic. The non-profit organization also teaches tennis to stroke survivors every other Tuesday and has several youth oriented programs under the name of Young Rackets to give athletes an opportunity to learn the sport.