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World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame to Induct Kyle Petty, Dikembe Mutombo, and Edgar Martinez
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The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame announced in May that seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Edgar Martinez, eight-time NBA All-Star Dikembe Mutombo and NASCAR veteran Kyle Petty will be enshrined for selfless humanitarian achievements across the globe on June 20 at its 13th annual Induction Ceremonies, presented by Albertson’s/SUPERVALU, in Boise, Idaho. All three are expected to be in Boise for the June 20 ceremonies.
The Humanitarian Hall of Fame is a global organization that annually inducts individuals who have impeccable resumes of humanitarian efforts, are world-class in athletic ability and who serve as role models in their community.
“We are honored to include Kyle Petty, Dikembe Mutombo and Edgar Martinez among its fraternity of role models,” said Larry Maneely, president, Board of Directors of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. “As humanitarians and community leaders they represent all that is good in sport and remind us of the importance of setting positive examples through community service for our peers and our youth.”
Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and his wife were in attendance for the announcement and were pleased with the committee’s selections.
“This is a great thing for these three individuals and a great thing for Idaho,” Otter said. “This brings attention to Boise in a positive way and that’s what we want.”
Mutombo, 40, of the Houston Rockets becomes the hall’s seventh NBA inductee. Mutombo is a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and an eight-time All-Star, two of the league’s most coveted awards. Mutombo began his professional career playing for the Denver Nuggets and has since played for the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks after 15 years in the league.
Dikembe Mutombo came to the United States. on an academic scholarship to study medicine at Georgetown University. He is being honored for his long-standing dedication to improving the health, education, and quality of life for people in his birthplace, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as other parts of the world. Mutombo has donated $15 million of his own money toward the construction and operation of a $29 million 300-bed Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center in the capital city of Kinshasa.
“Dikembe has done more individually than perhaps any other NBA athlete,” Larry Maneely said. “He is an exceptional person and we are so pleased to induct such a worthy individual.”
Martinez, 44, is considered the greatest designated hitter in the history of Major League Baseball. Martinez appeared in seven Major League All-Star games during his 18-year career – all with the Seattle Mariners. Martinez was named AL Designated Hitter of the year a record five times and received four Silver Slugger awards.
Martinez has given his time, talents and countless funds and resources to Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle, including the Edgar Martinez Endowment for Muscular Dystrophy Research. Martinez has also supported Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Overlake Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Wishing Star Foundation, United Way, and Big Brothers Big Sisters among a handful of others.
“Edgar is someone we’ve thought of a lot over the past several years so we’re so happy to have him being honored in such a way,” Larry Maneely said.
Petty, 48, becomes the Hall of Fame’s first NASCAR inductee. A 28-year NASCAR veteran with more than 750 career Cup starts, Petty comes from a legendary line of speedsters.
Petty has collected eight victories on the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit including two top-five and nine top-10s in 1997.
Petty is being honored for founding the Chick-Fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, which since 1995 has become the most successful event by anyone in the NASCAR community.
“We’re so excited to have our first NASCAR inductee and we couldn’t be more pleased with Kyle Petty,” Maneely said.
“These three men are very deserving and we look forward to welcoming them to Boise.”
Dikembe Mutombo, Houston Rockets
15 NBA seasons
Eight-time NBA All-Star
Four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year
Edgar Martinez, Seattle Mariners
18 MLB seasons – all with the Seattle Mariners
Seven-time MLB All-Star
Kyle Petty, NASCAR
28-year NASCAR veteran
750 career Cup starts
Lyle and Eleanore Smith
Will be awarded the Nell and John Wooden Lifetime Coaching Achievement Award.
Coached 20 years at Boise State (1947-1950, 1952-1967)
Overall record: 156-26-6 (.848)
Undefeated seasons: 5 (1947: 9-0, 1948: 9-0, 1949: 10-0, 1956: 8-0, 1958: 10-0)
Post season appearances: 5
Longest winning streak: 37 games (1947-1950)
All-Americans coached: 23 (20 football & 3 baseball)
Years as Athletic Director: 14 (1968-1981)
TATE CASTLETON
Assistant Sports Editor