LULAC MOURNS THE PASSING OF PELÉ, THE GREAT BRAZILIAN SOCCER PLAYER WHO GAVE CHILDREN AND FANS HOPE AND JOY
Photo Credit: John Mathew Smith from Laurel Maryland, USA
December 30, 2022
For more information, contact
David Cruz at (818) 689-9991
davidcruz@lulac.org
The Nation's Largest and Oldest Latino Civil Rights Organization Calls the Sports Star a Historic Figure Whose Legendary Feats on the Field and in Life Inspired Millions Worldwide
Dallas, Texas – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement on the passing of Pelé, the Brazilian soccer star who died Thursday after a long illness. He was 82.
Pelé will be remembered for his superhuman moves on the soccer field, including the reverse overhead windmill kick he perfected. His passion for soccer and teamwork catapulted Pelé to three World Cups. Off the field, the sports icon with the ever-present smile reveled in motivating generations of younger players, encouraging them, and transforming their training into lessons to improve their lives. Often, he visited Brazil's poorest communities, not unlike the neighborhoods in which he had grown up. He told children they too, could rise to become superstars even amid very poor and challenging conditions.
Domingo Garcia – LULAC National President
"The world has lost a sports legend and the greatest soccer player of all time. I first saw him in action as a member of the New York Cosmos as they beat my Dallas team in the Cotton Bowl Stadium. In 1994, I got to meet him when Dallas hosted the World Cup. Pelé was a player who shattered racial barriers as well as goal nets. He was a one-of-a-kind individual and player. We will miss him, but his example on the field and in life will endure."