[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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