Oregon Latino Basketball Tournament
By: David Espinoza

This is a must-read book. Learn about the history of a Latino tournament that reunited the community through the game of basketball every year. The richness of the Latino flavor doesn’t get any better.

In 1986, Victor Alvarado founded the Oregon Latino Basketball Tournament in Woodburn, Oregon. After the fifth year, the tournament paused for five years. Anthony Veliz revived this mega event and continued what Victor had started. The tournament continued for ten more years under Anthony’s leadership, then Rolando Ramirez stepped up as the director for the next thirteen years. The challenges and successes are incredible. This annual event must continue for the younger generations.

The tournament started with ten teams, then grew to thirty-six teams! Latinos and Latinas were motivated to play their best to showcase their talents. Many went on to play college basketball, and some even professionally. Inspiring Latino stories and more are inside. The resiliency is extraordinary.

The festivities, authentic Mexican food, and exciting games were so inspiring that this became like a family reunion every year in March. Relationships were built and memories were developed to where they had become life-long lasting.