[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 3, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E250-E251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING 2019 ``MR. AMIGO'' JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 2020

  Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Charro Days 
Fiesta and to honor the 2020 ``Mr. Amigo,'' chosen by the Mr. Amigo 
Association of Brownsville, TX, Julio Cesar Chavez.
  Charro Days dates back to 1937, when the citizens of Brownsville 
organized the event in the midst of the Great Depression to celebrate 
the cultural heritage shared between Brownsville and its sister city, 
Matamoros,

[[Page E251]]

Tamaulipas, across the border in Mexico. Since 1964, the ``Mr. Amigo'' 
award has recognized an outstanding Mexican citizen who has made a 
lasting contribution to the friendship and understanding of the United 
States and Mexico. ``Mr. Amigo'' acts as an ambassador between the 
United States and Mexico and presides over the annual Charro Days 
Fiesta.
  Julio Cesar Chavez is a sports legend and a champion, both in and out 
of the ring. Julio Cesar was born in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, but moved 
with his family at a young age to Culiacan, Sinaloa. It was there that 
his fighting spirit and drive for personal growth inspired him to get 
into the ring--guided by the dream of buying a house for his mother, 
Dona Isabel.
  The ``Sultan of Culiacan'' won six world titles in three different 
divisions in the Super Featherweight, Lightweight, and Light 
Welterweight categories. In the 25 years of his professional career he 
remained undefeated for 13 years, he won 31 out of 37 world title 
bouts, and he was able to successfully defend his world crowns 27 
times. His biggest wins in the ring were against Roger Mayweather, Juan 
Laporte, Edwin ``Chapo'' Rosario, Jose Luis Ramirez, Meldrick Taylor, 
Hector ``Macho'' Camacho, Greg Haugen and in the rematch against 
Frankie Randall.
  However, Julio Cesar Chavez also faced adversity and addiction, but 
overcame both ills. Today, his message is simple, ``if I could it, you 
can too.'' That phrase served as the foundation for his two 
rehabilitation centers Clinica Baja del Sol, one in Tijuana and the 
other in Culiacan. In addition to the work he performs through his 
clinics, Julio Cesar is ambassador of the National Campaign for 
Prevention and Attention to Addictions. His granddaughter Julia, along 
with his wife Miriam and their children Julio, Omar, Cristian and 
Nicole are his inspiration. He is committed to helpings others recover 
from addictions.
  Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to honor the Charro Days 
Fiesta. Please join me in recognizing the importance of this annual 
celebration which continues to strengthen the relationship between 
Brownsville and Matamoros, as well as the United States and Mexico.

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