Tracy is Inducted Into the
World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame
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Tracy Mattes was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame on September 24th, 2009
Tracy is Inducted Into the
World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame
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Tracy joined some elite company when she received the high honor of being inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame on Thursday September 24th, 2009.
Chaired by George H. W. Bush, 41st President of the United States, the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame (www.SportsHumanitarian.com), recognizes individuals and organizations from the world of amateur and professional athletics who, through their humanitarian efforts, distinguish themselves as role models in the community. The award, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of the sports world, is the highest honor a world class athlete can receive for their extraordinary commitment to humanitarian causes and community service.
When Tracy was enshrined into the Hall of Fame, she joined an elite fraternity of more than 40 world class athletes which includes: Olympian Jesse Owens, Soccer great Pelé, Major League Baseball Pioneer Jackie Robinson, Tennis legend Arthur Ashe, NBA's David Robinson, NFL Legendary Coach Tom Landry, Gymnast Mary Lou Retton, Johann Koss and Jackie Joyner Kersee. Here is the complete list of the other distinguished inductees.
When asked how it felt to see her name forever associated with the likes of other inductees such as Jesse Owens, Pelé, Wilma Rudolph and Arthur Ashe, Tracy said, "I am very honored and it's very humbling to even think about being seen on the same level as the people enshrined here before me. When you look at the things they've done and the differences they have made in trying to make this world a better place, it's truly amazing, and to be mentioned in this category is something very special to me."
Tracy referred to the experience as being surreal. And with good reason...
Olympic icons Dick Fosbury and Tommie Smith with Tracy Mattes during her
induction to the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. Fosbury & Smith co-presented Tracy's award
On the evening of September 24th, 2009, at the Qwest Arena in Boise, two of the most iconic athletes of the 20th century, 1968 Olympic Gold Medallists Dick Fosbury and Tommie Smith took the stage to co-present Tracy's award. Speaking of Tracy's impeccable character, her dedication to sport, her tireless efforts in launching multiple philanthropic projects involving sport and education for children, emotionally touched the entire audience. Those sentiments were further confirmed by a touching congratulatory letter from His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, which was read during the ceremony by Dick Fosbury. Following a video demonstrating her work in Africa, Tracy took the stage to accept her award.
Mayor David H. Bieter opened the ceremonies saying, "I want to extend my congratulations and admiration to this year's Hall of Fame inductees: Adonal Foyle, Diego Gutierrez and Tracy Mattes. You serve as wonderful examples not only to athletes everywhere, but to all of us who find inspiration both in the power of the human body and the generosity of the human heart.
"On behalf of the people of Boise, I'm honored as Mayor to welcome you to the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame 2009 Induction Ceremonies. This is a unique event and a unique institution. It is the only organization in the nation, perhaps the world, dedicated exclusively to celebrating the actions of amateur and professional athletes who are making their communities and their planet a better place for everyone. Here we honor what happens off the playing field as much as what happens on the field. It's not whether you win or lose - it's how you play the game of life."
Each year a national selection committee of well known media and sports figures annually chooses three world-class athletes from a list of hundreds of nominees, for the impact of their humanitarian work, strength of their foundation and unique nature of their community service. The 2009 Class included Tracy Mattes along with NBA Star Center for the Orlando Magic, Adonal Foyle, and Soccer great Diego Gutierrez.
NBA star Center Adonal Foyle, US Track star Tracy Mattes and Soccer great Diego Gutierrez
were the inductees of the 2009 Class of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame"Adonal Foyle, Diego Gutierrez and Tracy Mattes are examples to athletes everywhere, our youth and our peers of how giving back can profoundly impact the lives of others", said Rick Frisch, president of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. "Today, communities across the country and the world are faced with so much need. It is refreshing to find our most visible role models world class athletes, taking it upon themselves to identify unique social concerns important to them and developing a culture of service for others to follow. We are honored to have Adonal, Diego and Tracy among us. They truly represent All that is Good in Sport."
"Tracy, the depth of your dedication and commitment inspires many others, especially the legions of young people who admire you, to think about how they too can help to make the world a better place. Congratulations Tracy!"
Here are two video clips from Tracy's High School Track Coaches and World Renowned Horsemanship coach Pat Parelli, who trained Tracy to ride for the Modern Pentathlon. Here, also, is a letter from the wife of Tracy's late University Coach. Their sentiments further show how Tracy's outstanding achievements, personal character, pursuit of excellence and efforts to make the world a better place have touched and continue to touch the lives of so many people throughout the world. To quote Piux XI High School Track coach Dick Fischer, "Tracy, you will never be forgotten." Click below to see what Tracy's coaches had to say about her.
Related News Links
- World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame Official Press Release
- New class of Humanitarian heroes set to be enshrined
- ASU's Tracy Mattes to be Inducted into World Sports Humanitarian Hall
- Fox News -Humanitarian Hall of Fame Induction
- Associated Press - ABC News- Humanitarian Hall of fame adds 3 inductees
- NBA News
- The Bright Side of the World of Sports
- Three More Set to Enter Hall
- From the Office of the Mayor
- Former Sun Devil hurdler will be enshrined in the 15th annual Hall of Fame Ceremony
- Humanitarian Hall Adds Three Members
- The Bright Side of the World of Sport
