available to Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle (www.seattlechildrens.org), a commitment to muscular dystrophy research and support of numerous other community groups.

“I feel very fortunate,” said Martinez, who was presented for induction by Pro Baseball Hall of Fame member and 2006 World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame inductee Harmon Killebrew. “I am very grateful for this award. It is a great honor, and I really appreciate it.”    His community service work included the establishment of the Edgar Martinez Endowment for Muscular Dystrophy Research, the annual Children’s Hospital Wishing Well Night at Safeco Field and a commitment to numerous other causes including Overlake Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Wishing Star Foundation, United Way, Esperanza, Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs and Mariners Care. 

Prior to his induction, Martinez, who grew up in Puerto Rico, made visits to the Hispanic Cultural Center in neighboring Nampa, Idaho and joined the Hall’s other inductees in a visit to the pediatric unit of Boise’s St. Luke’s Hospital.  

Petty is the Hall’s first inductee from the NASCAR community.  A 28-year race veteran and third generation NASCAR driver, Petty was honored for his role in founding the Chick-Fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (www.kylepettycharityride.com), and for establishing the Victory Junction Gang Camp (www.victoryjunction.org) in North Carolina.  The NASCAR themed camp, which serves about 2,000 children annually, was built in honor of his late son Adam. 

“We had a tragedy in our life when we lost our son," said Petty before an induction audience of about 900.  “Adam had a dream to build a camp.  After his accident, your life just shuts down sometimes,” he said.  “We didn’t know which way to turn or what to do. We chose to build a camp in Adam’s memory, and the camp has become a focal point of my life.”  During his Idaho visit, Petty took time to visit with veterans being treated at the VA Medical Center in Boise. 

Mutombo of the Houston Rockets is the Hall’s seventh NBA inductee.  The eight-time NBA All-star was honored for his long-standing dedication to improving the health, education and quality of life for the people in his birthplace, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other parts of the world. Through the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation (www.dmf.org), Mutombo has contributed some $15 million toward the $29 million cost of building the new 300-bed Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center in the capital city of Kinshasa. 

The 15-year NBA veteran, who originally came to the U.S. to study medicine at Georgetown University - but found basketball, was presented for induction by the number three pick in the 1969 NBA draft and Boise native Darrell Imhoff.   “As a community we have seen what kind of diseases have come to attack us and destroy the fabric of our society,” said Mutombo upon receiving his award.  “(Diseases) continue to take our lives and cut our lives short. I have been chosen to go out and make a difference.  The most important thing in our lives is our relationship to humanity.  We need to be an example for our children and our grandchildren.”  During his visit to Boise, Mutombo participated in a basketball shoot-around at a local Boy’s and Girl’s Club.

As a part of the induction ceremonies the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame also recognized recipients of its annual humanitarian awards program. 

USA WEEKEND Most Caring Youth Coach Award

Steve and Marcus Onsum of Minneapolis, Mandy and Paul Rogers of Ridgeland, Miss. and Jay Lightner of Pittsburgh, Calif. were presented with the USA WEEKEND Most Caring Youth Coach Awards.  The annual award, established in 1992 by USA WEEKEND Magazine and now in partnership with the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, chooses from thousands of coaches that are nominated by USA WEEKEND readers in honor of their outstanding mentoring of American youth. Selected by a panel of distinguished professional and collegiate coaches, the three winning coaches are featured in the magazine’s Annual Awards Issue and presented with their award in Boise.  Each receives $1,000 for his or her team or favorite charity.

Nell and John Wooden Lifetime Coaching Achievement Award

Former Boise State University coach and athletic director Lyle Smith and his wife, Eleanor, received the annual Nell and John Wooden Lifetime Coaching Achievement Award. The award, which recognizes the personal philosophy of legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, is presented annually by the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame to a coach along with his or her spouse who has made exceptional contributions to their players and their futures.

Founder’s Award

International Special Olympics founder Eunice Shriver, and Special Olympics spokesperson and marathoner Loretta Claiborne received the Founder's Award, which embodies the humanitarian spirit in which the Hall was founded.  The award is presented annually to individuals who, through sports, make a difference in their community but otherwise may not be well-known.

Idaho Award

Milford Terrell, chairman of the Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl and chairman of the Idaho Board of Education, received the Idaho Award for his ongoing commitment to sports in Idaho.  

The Hall’s annual Tradition of Excellence Award honoring a Heisman Trophy winner and its Pro Team Community Awards are now presented throughout the year at home games of its honorees, while its annual Student Humanitarian Award is presented at the Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl in December.

About The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame

The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame (www.SportsHumanitarian.com), located on the Boise State University campus in Idaho, recognizes individuals and organizations from the world of amateur and professional athletics who, through their humanitarian efforts, distinguish themselves as role models in the community.  Over 35 sports-humanitarians have been enshrined in Boise including tennis great Arthur Ashe, Major League Baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson, NFL coaching legend Tom Landry, the NBA's David Robinson, soccer great Pelé and the Harlem Globetrotters. 

The Hall was the inspiration behind Boise’s Humanitarian Bowl and its Humanitarian Awards program annually recognizes exceptional community-focused organizations and leaders from Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, NCAA College Football and other organizations.  The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is open weekdays to visitors and humanitarians of all ages.