[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 65 (Thursday, May 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E882-E883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING AZTECA BOXING TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 1999

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize the 
longtime success of a group that has provided a valuable community 
resource in helping to teach many youths discipline and character. On 
May 7, local officials, family, and friends will gather to celebrate 
the Azteca Boxing Team of Pontiac, MI, for 25 years of service.
  Twenty-five years ago, Pontiac resident Ruben Flores, a former Golden 
Gloves champion, envisioned an opportunity to give Pontiac youth a 
chance to help young people off of the streets and into positive 
activities that promoted self-esteem and responsibility. He was joined 
in this endeavor by Juventino Prieto, and the Azteca Boxing Team was 
born. In 1977, Flores and Prieto were joined by Robert Paramo as a 
coach, and the three of them began a quarter of a century of teaching 
youth not only about boxing, but about dedication, physical well being, 
and pride in one's self and one's abilities.
  Since 1973, over 2,800 young people have benefited from the programs 
that the Azteca Boxing Team has had to offer, many of whom have 
ventured and excelled in the field of professional boxing. The large 
volunteer staff they maintain assist in the children's total 
development, including educational guidance, diverse cultural 
experiences, and community activism and awareness. The group, an 
official nonprofit organization, receives 98 percent of its funding 
from donations, including computers for their students, field trips, 
and more. The remaining 2 percent comes from a $2 membership fee, 
however they have pledged never to turn away a child due to lack of 
funds.
  Mr. Speaker, the contributions that the Azteca Boxing Team has given 
the Pontiac community is tremendous. Many of these youngsters owe their 
very lives to the impact that the group has made. I ask my colleagues 
in the 106th Congress to join me in congratulating Ruben Flores, 
Juventino Prieto, and Robert Paramo for all their efforts.

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