[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 25, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S2488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 55--DESIGNATING EACH OF FEBRUARY 4, 2009, AND 
    FEBRUARY 3, 2010, AS ``NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS DAY''

  Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Mrs. Murray, and Ms. Mikulski) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary:

                               S. Res. 55

       Whereas women's athletics are one of the most effective 
     avenues available for the 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 the athletic achievements of women;
       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 to her home, workplace, and 
     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
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates each of February 4, 2009, and February 3, 
     2010, as ``National Women and Girls in Sports Day''; and
       (2) encourages State and local 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.

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