[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E139-E140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS

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                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize and salute a proud and distinguished individual for his many 
accomplishments and contributions to the Latino community and our 
country.
  Oscar De La Hoya began his successful boxing career at the young age 
of 6 when he began training to box at the Eastside Boxing Club in Los 
Angeles, CA. From there he made his way through the ranks and divisions 
of professional boxing, winning five world titles in different weight 
divisions. Along the way, he also triumphed at the 1992 Olympics, 
winning a gold medal in boxing.
  As if a successful boxing career were not enough, in October of 2000, 
he began his musical career, releasing his first self-titled album of 
popular music.
  Besides his many accomplishments, his commitment to his community has 
remained steadfast. In 1995, he created the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation 
as a tribute to his mother Celia. Its goal is to provide educational 
and athletic opportunities for the young people of the East Los Angeles 
community. In keeping with this mission, he established an academic 
scholarship fund for low-income students and opened the Oscar De La 
Hoya Youth Center. The Youth Center today provides a safe and positive 
environment where local area youth receive help with their schoolwork, 
develop computer skills, and participate in athletic training programs.
  In memory of his mother, he also made a generous donation to the East 
L.A. White Memorial Medical Center. This donation served as the 
foundation from which the Celia Gonzalez De La Hoya Cancer Center was 
created.
  Oscar knows the importance of being a good role model. 
Professionally, he has been a testament to the ideals of hard work and 
perseverance. Outside of the boxing arena, he has demonstrated what it 
means to truly give back to one's community. The positive impact of 
Oscar De La Hoya reaches far beyond the state of California. Next week 
he will visit El Paso, in my district, and be warmly received by an 
admiring community. He is a young man, who while especially appealing 
to Latino youth, stands as an inspiration to all.

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