MILKA DUNO INDUCTED INTO SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Duno’s Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame Induction Activities Include
“Milka Way” School Visit and Time Capsule Dedication

LAREDO, TX (January 31, 2010) – Racer car driver Milka Duno was inducted into the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame at the 35th Annual Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday evening, January 30, 2010.

Duno, the first Venezuelan athlete to be named to the Hall of Fame was inducted along with Juan Manuel Marquez (Boxing), Shashi & Priya Vaswani (Soccer), Armando Gonzalez (Karate), Joanne Bruni Maddox (Golf) and Maria Magdalena Rosales (Baseball). Juan Francisco Ochoa was selected as this year’s Sports Ambassador.

In spirited harmony, Duno was presented the award by the two female members of the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors – Cynthia Haynes Ramirez and Sara Carrasco (who is also a 2003 Inductee.)

The ceremony was attended by many past Hall of Fame inductees and many local and regional dignitaries including Raul G. Salina, Mayor of Laredo.

This year’s slate of activities celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Hall of Fame included two unique and very special events.

On Friday, the Hall of Fame, in association with Duno’s “Milka Way” program, arranged for Duno to speak with 11th and 12th grade Engineering Magnet students at United High School in Laredo. Approximately 135 students and staff gathered in the school’s library for an inspiring speech by Duno about the value of a strong education that was followed by a lively question and answer session that involved many of the students. Afterward, Milka signed autographs and pose for pictures with a long line of students and staff.

On Saturday afternoon a media luncheon was held at the Laredo International Airport to commemorate the 35th year of the Hall of Fame’s recognition of outstanding sports figures. Andres Ramos, Jr., President of the Hall of Fame, announced plans to bury a time capsule at the airport to be opened in 2045 – 35 years into the future. Items in the capsule will include an outline on how the Hall of Fame was started and how it has recognized international, national, regional and local sports figures throughout its first 35 years. Duno was asked to contribute to the time capsule a copy of her award-winning children’s book “Go, Milka, Go!” and a DVD containing footage highlighting her many racing activities and achievements, as well as her off-track commitment to children and young adults through her “Milka Way Program.”

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