[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 170 (Friday, October 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 MR. DARIO ESTRADA MOTA--CELEBRA GRAPEVINE HISPANIC HERITAGE LIFETIME 
                           ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 28, 2022

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Dario 
Estrada Mota for receiving the Celebra Grapevine Hispanic Heritage 
Lifetime Achievement Award.
  Sports has always been central in Mr. Dario Estrada Mota's life, 
especially baseball and soccer since he left his hometown of Sabinas, 
Coahuila, in 1971 to make North Texas his new home. For over 50 years, 
he, his wife, Mrs. Carmen Beltran Mota, and their children have called 
Grapevine home.
  In 1987, Mr. Mota recognized the need for adult soccer within the 
Latino community when his children Tomas and Dario Jr. aged out of the 
City of Grapevine's youth soccer program. It was from that need that 
Grapevine Metropolitan Soccer League, also known as GMSL, was born. 
Over the past 35 years, GMSL's central mission has been to serve the 
Latino community within the 817-area code and beyond. With Mrs. Mota 
co-leading, and his right-hand man, Mr. Mario Bonilla, and his 
children, the league has grown to over 40 teams, serving 800 active 
players and members. GMSL now serves Latino soccer leagues whose 
origins are from Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina, and El Salvador, among 
many other South and Central American countries. Throughout the years, 
the league has grown and has expanded its reach to include soccer 
leagues from Nepal, Colombia, and Africa. On any given Sunday, GMSL 
welcomes over 1700 people to enjoy sports, build relationships, and 
enjoy our delightful community.
  The impacts of these 35 years and efforts are immeasurable. We've 
seen his individual and multi-generation impact on thousands of 
individuals throughout DFW and beyond, a ripple effect of the 
mentorship, sportsmanship, and teamwork learned on the soccer fields of 
Grapevine. Over the years, he has found opportunities for young players 
to reach international stardom and organized international 
championships at the Dallas Cowboys stadium. It has been a visible, 
passionate, tireless dedication and advocacy for and to serve the 
Latino community of Grapevine.

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