[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 21898]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         TRIBUTE TO FELIX TRINIDAD, A NATIVE SON OF PUERTO RICO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 19, 1999, the gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. Romero-Barcelo), 
is recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to congratulate Felix ``Tito'' Trinidad, a native son of 
Puerto Rico, on his tremendous victory in the world welterweight title 
fight this past Saturday, September 18. Tito's victory over his 
talented and worthy opponent, Oscar De La Hoya, has touched off one of 
the largest and most passionate celebrations in the long and storied 
history of sports in Puerto Rico.
  Both fighters brought impressive credentials to this bout. Each one 
was undefeated, with Trinidad having won 35 straight matches and De La 
Hoya 31 straight victories. Public interest for a bout between these 
two ran high and once the match was set, anticipation reached a fevered 
pitch; and the fans who watched this clash on Saturday night were 
treated to a tremendous spectacle.
  De La Hoya fought confidently and appeared to have a lead midway 
through the fight, but Tito showed the heart of a champion by coming 
back to win the later rounds and, with them, the bout. His perseverance 
against a great opponent and the tenacity he showed in overcoming the 
deficit he faced was an inspiration for all of us.
  Nowhere is Tito's victory appreciated more than in Puerto Rico. We 
are intensely proud of our native son who has brought us great honor. 
Even before his victory on Saturday, Tito was recognized as one of the 
heroes of the long and storied history of sports in Puerto Rico.
  Of course, Puerto Rico's sports history focuses heavily on America's 
national pastime, baseball, a game that Puerto Ricans have embraced 
with an unrivaled passion. Our heroes include the legendary Roberto 
Clemente, known as much for his acts of humanitarian compassion as for 
his baseball skills, and such current stars as Juan Gonzalez, Ivan 
Rodriguez, Roberto and Sandy Alomar, Edgar Martinez, and Bernie 
Williams, to name a few.
  Tito's victory on Saturday night adds another significant chapter to 
the great history of Puerto Ricans distinguishing themselves in the 
world of sports.
  I hope other Members of this body will join me in congratulating 
Felix Trinidad on his great victory over his outstanding opponent, 
Oscar De La Hoya, on Saturday night. All of Puerto Rico is proud of 
you, Tito, and so are your fellow American citizens who saw your 
outstanding display of courage and tenacity. You show the true mettle 
of a champion, the stuff heroes are made of. You are an example to our 
youth in Puerto Rico and to all the youth across the Nation.

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