National Stadium to take on Julio Martinez' name

To see international photos, click here

SANTIAGO.- Government spokesperson Francisco Vidal announced today that the Executive Branch has decided to honor the famous sports journalist who passed away on Wednesday. The Executive Branch has made the decision to change the name of Chile's most important athletic facility to "Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez".

Vidal pointed out that "the government has made the decision and is searching for the proper legal proceedings so that the National Stadium, Chile's most important sports coliseum, can take his name and become known as the 'Julio Martínez National Stadium'".

The state secretary also stated that the Executive Branch was given "a good idea from UDI Members of Parliament", specifically noting Deputy Manuel Rojas, in order to "honor the sports commentator and public figure".

Yesterday, Ramón Barros and Gastón von Muhlenbrock presented a legal proceeding along with Rojas to rename the National Stadium "Julio Martínez Pradanos". They argued that the deceased sports commentator "was a man who completely transcended boundaries".

"I think that Julio Martínez' qualities and career accomplishments are deserving of this", said Vidal.