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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

 

Anastacio “Stacey” Farias to be inducted Saturday

altThe induction ceremony is at 7 p.m. at the Laredo Country Club on Saturday, but tickets are sold out and won’t be sold at the door.

Born in Laredo on April 10, 1913, the late Farias distinguished himself on the basketball court as a standout for San Antonio’s Lanier High School in the 1930’s. His prowess on the hardwood garnered him numerous accolades and recognitions, including helping his team win city championships and being named All-City Center three years in a row. San Antonio sportswriters christened the basketball standout “Stacy” because they could not pronounce his first name.

“Stacey Farias is one of the greatest centers ever produced in local high school cage circles,” wrote W.R. Beaumier in the February 7, 1931, edition of the San Antonio Express. “High scorer and producer of a great driving game at all times, he stands head and shoulders above the other centers.” After graduation, Farias — who also played baseball and football at Lanier — earned a basketball scholarship to Southwestern University in Georgetown. However, because of the Great Depression, Farias had to forego college, in order to help his family. During World War II, he was drafted into the Navy, serving as a seaman in the Philippines. After his service, he went on to work for Anastacio Farias will be inducted into the Latin American Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in athletics.

H.B. Zachary, where assignments took him all over the world.

 Even though his collegiate hoop dreams were never realized, Farias never stopped loving the game. He briefly coached basketball at Laredo’s St. Joseph’s Academy. Later, he refereed basketball games all over the city. For his intense love of the game of basketball, his standout, stellar career at Lanier High School, his unselfish service to his country and many contributions to the Laredo sports scene, the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame proudly enshrines the beloved Farias into the Hall of Fame.