III 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 74 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 7, 2007 Ms. Snowe (for herself and Mrs. Murray) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating each of February 7, 2007, and February 6, 2008, as National Women and Girls in Sports Day.

Whereas women's athletics are one of the most effective avenues available for women of the United States to develop self-discipline, initiative, confidence, and leadership skills; Whereas sports and fitness activities contribute to emotional and physical well-being; Whereas women need strong bodies as well as strong minds; Whereas the history of women in sports is rich and long, but there has been little national recognition of the significance of women's athletic achievements; Whereas the number of women in leadership positions as coaches, officials, and administrators has declined drastically since the passage of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Public Law 92–318; 86 Stat. 373); Whereas there is a need to restore women to leadership positions in athletics to ensure a fair representation of the abilities of women and to provide role models for young female athletes; Whereas the bonds built between women through athletics help to break down the social barriers of racism and prejudice; Whereas the communication and cooperation skills learned through athletic experience play a key role in the contributions of an athlete at home, at work, and to society; Whereas women's athletics has produced such winners as Flo Hyman, whose spirit, talent, and accomplishments distinguished her above others and who exhibited the true meaning of fairness, determination, and team play; Whereas parents feel that sports are equally important for boys and girls and that sports and fitness activities provide important benefits to girls who participate; Whereas early motor-skill training and enjoyable experiences of physical activity strongly influence life-long habits of physical fitness; Whereas the performances of female athletes in the Olympic Games are a source of inspiration and pride to the people of the United States; Whereas the athletic opportunities for male students at the collegiate and high school levels remain significantly greater than those for female students; and Whereas the number of funded research projects focusing on the specific needs of women athletes is limited and the information provided by these projects is imperative to the health and performance of future women athletes: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)designates each of February 7, 2007, and February 6, 2008, as National Women and Girls in Sports Day; and (2)encourages local and State jurisdictions, appropriate Federal agencies, and the people of the United States to observe National Women and Girls in Sports Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.