[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TO PAY TRIBUTE TO TOMMY NUNEZ FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE 
          NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION AND TO HIS COMMUNITY

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                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2003

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to a 
man who has served as not only a pioneer in his profession but as a 
shining role model to our community. I speak of none other than Mr. 
Tommy Nunez, who recently retired as a referee from the National 
Basketball Association (NBA) after thirty years of service.
  Considered one of the most respected and honored referees of the 
game, Tommy began his officiating career with the NBA in 1972 earning 
the distinction of being the first Latino to referee in any major 
sport. Throughout his thirty-year career, he has officiated 2,019 NBA 
games, 64 playoff games and the 1992 All-Star Game.
  He began officiating basketball games in predominantly black and 
Hispanic leagues in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. Sharpening his 
skills he moved on to officiate high school and junior college games. 
His big break came when an NBA official happened to see him work an 
exhibition game with the Phoenix Suns and suggested he try out to 
become an NBA referee. He went on to become one of 16 out of 1000 
applicants to join this elite group.
  However, Tommy's accomplishments off the court far exceed what he has 
accomplished with the NBA. His dedication and service to his community 
have been widely recognized. He speaks and gives clinics for children 
throughout the country encouraging them to stay in school. His annual 
National Hispanic Basketball Classic for young Latinos raises money for 
youth activities. To add to this, he directs a summer work program 
designed to introduce young adults to the basic principals of 
employment and instill in them a sense of responsibility and pride.
  Tommy's recognitions, to name a few, include being an honoree of the 
1994 Hispanic Heritage Awards, inducted into the National Hispanic 
Sports Hall of Fame in 2001, and presented with the 1992 Roberto 
Clemente Award for excellence by the National Council of La Raza.
  As you can clearly see he serves as an inspiration to us all.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Tommy 
Nunez for his work and dedication to his community and to his sport; 
and best of wishes on his retirement.

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