El Paso County proclaims Athletic Hall of Fame Week and honors broadcaster Paul Sala

The El Paso County Commissioner's Court adopted two ceremonial resolutions on June 22 recognizing local sports figures and longtime broadcaster Paul Sala.

The court voted to declare June 22'28, 2026, as El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame and El Paso Sports Commission Week and later approved a separate resolution honoring Sala''recognizing his community service and broadcasting career. Judge Sango moved the Hall of Fame resolution and Commissioner Butler seconded; both measures carried without recorded opposition.

Dale Ly, vice president of the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame, said the organization'which has enshrined more than 421 honorees'supports scholarships and community recognition. "We proudly dedicate this year's banquet to [our president] Ray Adalto," Ly said, describing the Hall's educational and scholarship efforts for UTEP students.

Janet Vargas, president of the El Paso County Coliseum and event sponsor, praised the partnership between the county and the sports commission and encouraged broad community participation in the induction banquet.

Paul Sala, the broadcaster honored by the court, thanked local organizations and described his plan to teach broadcast journalism after he leaves the market. "El Paso is always going to be my second home," Sala said, describing years of volunteer work with Special Olympics and hospital visits. He said he will return frequently for community events.

The court also briefly removed one resolution recognizing Freeport-McMoRan after the intended honorees were unable to attend; that item was pulled and will be refiled later.

The court took the measures as part of a broader morning session that included presentations and public comment; the resolutions require no county appropriation and serve as formal civic recognitions.