This season marks the 14th year that the Colorado Rockies organization has honored exceptional individuals in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. These efforts will culminate this year on Saturday, Sept. 17, with a pregame onfield ceremony honoring the finalists and winner of the Colorado Rockies Adult Leadership Award as part of Hispanic Heritage Night at Coors Field and in conjunction with MLB's Ponle Acento Campaign.
The Rockies will honor three finalists this year for the positive work they have done in the Hispanic community, ranging from youth mentoring to advocating for victims of domestic violence to a lifetime of activism in her church. Each of the finalists listed below were honored with an individual pregame ceremony this month, and then all three will be honored as a group prior to the game on Saturday, Sept. 17, when the overall winner will be announced. For information about the finalists, see the attached bios or visit Rockies.com/Leadership:
Ruby Reyna - pregame ceremony on September 16
John Romero - pregame ceremony on September 7
Linda Sosa - pregame ceremony on September 6
The Colorado Rockies Adult Leadership Award was created in 2002 to recognize individuals who demonstrate a commitment to the Hispanic community through community involvement, the promotion of family values and personal achievements. Eligible recipients are Colorado residents, do not need to be of Hispanic heritage but must be actively involved in the Hispanic community. The winner's name is placed on a plaque displayed inside Coors Field at Gate C, and the winner will also receive Season Tickets for the Rockies 2017 season.
Information about Major League Baseball's Ponle Acento Campaign: In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, MLB provided all players and coaches a special Ponle Acento T-shirt to wear during batting practice on a designated date in September; for the Rockies, this date is September 17 to coincide with their presentation of the Hispanic Adult Leadership Award to an individual active in the Hispanic community. The T-shirt and the Ponle Acento campaign are a tribute to all of those who put an accent on Béisbol and on life. The "acento" accentuates words in the Spanish language, but it resonates far beyond linguistics. It highlights the spirit and the tradition of fans of all ages and races.