[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           13TH ANNUAL NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 1999

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor all 
girls and women who participate in sports by recognizing the 13th 
annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day, February 4, 1999.
  This year's theme, ``All Girls Allowed,'' reminds us we all should 
have an equal chance to participate in sports regardless of gender. In 
my youth women were discouraged from team sports and were looked down 
upon if active in an individual sport. ``All Girls Allowed'' 
characterizes how far we've come. But there is more to do. This day 
grants us a special time to remember past and current achievements, and 
reflect on the continuing struggle for equality in sports.
  In 1987, a Congressional Resolution created National Girls and Women 
in Sports Day to celebrate the achievements of Olympic volleyball 
player Flo Hyman and to recognize her work to assure equality for 
women's sports. Today we take this day to celebrate the achievements of 
all girls and women in sports. Communities such as mine around the 
country observe this day with events, luncheons, awards banquets, and 
parades.
  We can all call to mind significant women in sports who have paved 
the way for others including the high-profile tennis match when Billie 
Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs, or the recent emergency of the Women's 
National Basketball Association. Because of the leadership of these 
women, there are more sports opportunities today than there were 25 
years ago. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex 
discrimination from extracurricular activities--including sports--in 
federally assisted education programs. One in three girls in high 
school now participate in athletics. As a former educator, I have seen 
firsthand the value athletics has played in building self-esteem, 
establishing confidence and leadership skills in young women.
  In the 5th District, the Women's Intersport Network for Kansas City 
(WIN for KC) is sponsoring a luncheon to honor local girls and women 
that have achieved significant goals in sports. WIN for KC was 
established to promote sports participation opportunities and 
recognition for girls and women in the Greater Kansas City area. 
Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics Shannon Miller will deliver the 
keynote address to encourage and support fellow athletes. This year's 
Kansas City award winners include Heather Burroughs for USA Track and 
Field, Janet Calandro for Spirit, Peggy Donovan for Senior Sportswoman 
of the Year, Linda Jones for Coach of the Year, Jean Nearing for 
Physically Challenged Sportswoman of the Year, Lauren Powers for 
Courage, and Jennifer Waterman for Mentor of the Year.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the 13th annual National 
Girls and Women in Sports Day, congratulate every individual for their 
dedication and efforts, and thank them for paving the way for other 
women.

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