KTRV Fox 12 Humanitarian Hall of Fame Induction

Humanitarian Hall of Fame Induction

Boise, Idaho -- It seems fitting that two of the presenters for the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame are such wonderful examples of humanitarians themselves.

One of the presenters tonight at the Humanitarian Hall of Fame Induction was Tommie Smith, a former Olympic track and field gold medallist who gained notoriety in the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

It's one of the most famous images in sport history when Smith and John Carlos raised their black-gloved fist on the medal podium. A message with many interpretations, but one that was meant as a call for freedom and equality.

The other presenter was Dick Fosbury, from Ketchum, Idaho, and the man who is called the inventor of the "Fosbury Flop". Fosbury revolutionized the high jump by using a back first technique.  He used that style to make the Olympic team and won gold in Mexico in 1968 and set a new world record in the process.

Both of these world-class athletes say that the Humanitarian Hall of Fame has a very important message to get out.

"It's the best stories of who we are who we are as human beings and what we can do because of sport. Sport is the bridge that brings us together," said Fosbury.

The Humanitarian Hall of Fame inducted three people Thursday night. NBA star Adonal Foyle, soccer star Diego Gutierrez, and track and field star Tracy Mattes.

The inductees are not only world-class athletes and ambassadors of their sport; they are truly more than that. Bringing their experiences in the world of sport to real life.

ADONAL FOYLE

After the noise of the crowd has subsided and the lights have dimmed, athletes are left with a decision.

What to do with their fame and fortune.

Some athletes, like Orlando Magic center Adonal Foyle, already know what they want to do off the court. Giving back to the community is a lesson his grandmother drilled into him.

"She always taught me, you always give, if you have to give. And if somebody is in need, you give," said Foyle.

He grew up on a tiny island in the Caribbean in a home with no running water and never a lot of food.

It's those humble beginnings that left their mark on Foyle.

On Thursday he was honored for all of the work he does with Democracy Matters, a project that helps get young people interested and involved in politics.

Plus, he also works with the Kerosene Lamp Foundation where he does work with the youth in the Caribbean and in American inner cities.

"I have the opportunity to give back to kids that need it and it's important to do that. So, to be honored for things that you do, that you would just give to no matter what the end result is. It's truly special to be recognized for the work that you're doing," said Foyle.

TRACY MATTES

Tracy Mattes is a world-class track and field star who made her mark as a five time NCAA All-American.

She missed her chance to make the Sydney Olympics because of a car crash, but she's now training in the Modern Pentathlon for the London Olympics.

Mattes has done extensive work with children throughout the world in numerous philanthropic projects for children focused on sport and education.

"While sport is so wonderful, and all the great values and experiences that come with it, the really true great part of that is what you can take what you've learned and transfer that to real life," said Mattes.

She's also involved with the United Nations in projects to harness the power of tourism to fight poverty. 

DIEGO GUTIERREZ

Soccer star Diego Gutierrez was also inducted Thursday night for his work with Nothing But Nets, which provides mosquito nets to children in Africa to prevent them from getting malaria.  His efforts have raised more than $26 million for the cause. 

Gutierrez was profiled on Fox 12 News at Nine last night.  You can still see his inspiring story on our website FOX12Idaho.com.