[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 10, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S740-S741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SENATE RESOLUTION 37--NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS DAY


  Mr. PACKWOOD submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                               S. Res. 37

       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;
       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;

[[Page S741]]

       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 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
       Resolved, That--
       (1) February 2, 1995, and February 1, 1996, are each 
     designated as ``National Women and Girls in Sports Day''; and
       (2) the President is authorized and requested to issue a 
     proclamation calling on local and State jurisdictions, 
     appropriate Federal agencies, and the people of the United 
     States to observe those days with appropriate ceremonies and 
     activities.

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