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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E250-E251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING 2019 ``MR. AMIGO'' JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ
______
HON. FILEMON VELA
of texas
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Charro Days
Fiesta and to honor the 2020 ``Mr. Amigo,'' chosen by the Mr. Amigo
Association of Brownsville, TX, Julio Cesar Chavez.
Charro Days dates back to 1937, when the citizens of Brownsville
organized the event in the midst of the Great Depression to celebrate
the cultural heritage shared between Brownsville and its sister city,
Matamoros,
[[Page E251]]
Tamaulipas, across the border in Mexico. Since 1964, the ``Mr. Amigo''
award has recognized an outstanding Mexican citizen who has made a
lasting contribution to the friendship and understanding of the United
States and Mexico. ``Mr. Amigo'' acts as an ambassador between the
United States and Mexico and presides over the annual Charro Days
Fiesta.
Julio Cesar Chavez is a sports legend and a champion, both in and out
of the ring. Julio Cesar was born in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, but moved
with his family at a young age to Culiacan, Sinaloa. It was there that
his fighting spirit and drive for personal growth inspired him to get
into the ring--guided by the dream of buying a house for his mother,
Dona Isabel.
The ``Sultan of Culiacan'' won six world titles in three different
divisions in the Super Featherweight, Lightweight, and Light
Welterweight categories. In the 25 years of his professional career he
remained undefeated for 13 years, he won 31 out of 37 world title
bouts, and he was able to successfully defend his world crowns 27
times. His biggest wins in the ring were against Roger Mayweather, Juan
Laporte, Edwin ``Chapo'' Rosario, Jose Luis Ramirez, Meldrick Taylor,
Hector ``Macho'' Camacho, Greg Haugen and in the rematch against
Frankie Randall.
However, Julio Cesar Chavez also faced adversity and addiction, but
overcame both ills. Today, his message is simple, ``if I could it, you
can too.'' That phrase served as the foundation for his two
rehabilitation centers Clinica Baja del Sol, one in Tijuana and the
other in Culiacan. In addition to the work he performs through his
clinics, Julio Cesar is ambassador of the National Campaign for
Prevention and Attention to Addictions. His granddaughter Julia, along
with his wife Miriam and their children Julio, Omar, Cristian and
Nicole are his inspiration. He is committed to helpings others recover
from addictions.
Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to honor the Charro Days
Fiesta. Please join me in recognizing the importance of this annual
celebration which continues to strengthen the relationship between
Brownsville and Matamoros, as well as the United States and Mexico.
____________________