House recognizes Rodriguez for working with at-risk youth

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) that honors and salutes golf legend Juan Antonio "Chi Chi" Rodriguez for his commitment to programs assisting Latino and at-risk youth. H. Res. 1430 was approved by the House with a 405-2 vote.

"With a lifetime 38 professional wins, Chi Chi Rodriguez will go down as one of the all time greats in golf history," said Rep. Baca. "But his legacy does not end on the links. Chi Chi's lifelong charitable contributions have impacted the lives of thousands of young people. I thank my colleagues for supporting this resolution, which is a fitting way to pay tribute to one of golf's most noteworthy icons."

As a young child, Chi Chi Rodriguez used determination and discipline to teach himself the game of golf. His hard work and skill resulted in a lifetime 38 professional wins, including 8 PGA TOUR wins and 22 Champions Tour wins.

In recent years, Chi Chi has worked closely with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation's premier Latino youth leadership development and educational organization, to provide additional opportunities for Latino youth to succeed in life. Chi Chi's support of the CHCI's Fiesta de Golf Scholarship Challenge has helped raise more than $824,000 for CHCI scholarship award programs over the past three years. These contributions have provided financial support for more than 430 scholarships to help Latino youth to attain higher education.

"Chi Chi's outstanding work on behalf of the CHCI and his own Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation have helped improve the lives of generations of young people," concluded Rep. Baca. "I firmly believe Chi Chi is deserving of this Congressional recognition. I am lucky to call him a friend, and look forward to continue working with him to provide additional opportunity for at-risk youth everywhere."

Chi Chi Rodriguez was the first Puerto Rican ever to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, and was elected to the World Humanitarian Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.