[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S500-S501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 408--DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 3, 2010, AS ``NATIONAL
WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS DAY''
Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Mrs. Murray, Ms. Mikulski, and Mr. Bingaman)
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee
on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 408
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
[[Page S501]]
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 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.
Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise to submit the National Women and
Girls in Sports Day resolution. As we celebrate the 24th anniversary of
National Girls and Women in Sports Day, I am pleased to be joined by
colleagues, Senator Murray, Senator Mikulski, and Senator Bingaman.
The celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day began in
remembrance of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic
achievements and her commitment to ensuring equality for women's
sports. Tragically, Hyman died of Marfan's Syndrome in 1986 while
competing in a volleyball tournament. In that same year, I introduced a
joint resolution commemorating the first National Women in Sports Day
in 1987. With today marking the 24th anniversary of this celebration,
we continue to honor all girls and women, recognizing past and current
achievements in athletics, as well as the positive influence of sports
participation and the continuing struggle for equality and access for
women in sports.
We undoubtedly have a plethora of women athletes who deserve our
admiration and appreciation with the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics in
Vancouver. Just a few weeks ago, the most decorated female skier in
U.S. history Lindsey Vonn was named the 2009 Sports Woman of the Year
by the United States Olympic Committee. That remarkable achievement
occurred on the heels of earning the distinction of Female Athlete of
the Decade by NBC's Universal Sports. While her athletic talent alone
make both these awards certainly well-deserved, Ms. Vonn is also widely
respected for her indomitable tenacity and resilience: In the 2006
Olympic Winter Games she continued her race despite a horrific crash
and earned the Olympic Spirit Award. No doubt she will carry her
``Olympic Spirit'' in this year's competition as well.
It is clear that while we celebrate the tremendous progress women's
sports have made since the commencement of National Girls and Women in
Sports Day, we cannot sit on the sidelines. As reflected in this year's
theme, ``Stay Strong, Play On'', we must continue to build on the
outstanding successes in sports participation by girls and women over
the past several decades. Again, I applaud the girls and women across
the state of Maine and our country for their participation and
leadership in athletics as we celebrate National Girls and Women in
Sports Day--today and every day.
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