Congressman José E. Serrano Salutes Yankee Great Mariano Rivera

Washington, DC
, August 11, 2005—Today, Congressman José E. Serrano saluted Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera for his achievements and dedication to helping Latino youths. Rivera was awarded 2004 Latino MVP Relief Pitcher of the Year given by Latino Sports and the Latino Sports Writers & Broadcasters Association (LSWBA) at a luncheon at Yankee Stadium.

“Mariano Rivera is one of the most dominant pitchers of the past few decades, and he also exemplifies the idea of an athlete as a role model. He is proof of the great contributions Latinos continue to make to this country. While I am proud of the many championships Rivera has helped to bring to the city of
New York
, I am more proud of the fact that he has helped to improve the lives of many young people in the
South Bronx
” said Congressman Serrano

Latino Sports and the LSWBA honor an outstanding player every year with their Latino MVP award. Latino Sports, a South Bronx-based organization, has been honoring outstanding players for the past 15 years. The Latino MVP is one of the most respected awards given by the Latino community to Latino baseball players. Rivera was chosen for the 2004 award not only for his great accomplishments on the mound, but also for his dedication to the Latino community.

“I applaud Latino Sports and the Latino Sports Writers & Broadcasters Association for their invaluable efforts to recognize the many important contributions that Latino athletes have made to their sports and to their communities. Latino Sports is a point of pride for the
Bronx
and for Latinos across the country” said Congressman Serrano.