WHEREAS, Participation in athletics is one of the most effective ways for girls and women in the United States to develop leadership skills, discipline, initiative, and self-confidence; and
     WHEREAS, Sport and fitness activities contribute to girls' and women's emotional and physical well-being; and
     WHEREAS, The communication, competition, and cooperation skills learned through athletic experience play a key role in the contributions of athletes to the home, workplace, and society; and
     WHEREAS, Early motor skill training and enjoyable experiences of physical activity strongly encourage enduring habits of physical fitness; and
     WHEREAS, Girls and women who participate in sports have higher levels of self-esteem, less depression, and a reduced risk for heart disease, breast cancer, and other illness; and
     WHEREAS, The bonds built among girls and women through athletics help break down the social barriers of racism and prejudice; and
     WHEREAS, 58,789 female athletes participate in high school sports and athletic activities in Washington, constituting 43 percent of the total number of athletes as compared to the national average of girls participating in high school sports of 41 percent; and
     WHEREAS, High school athletic teams in the state of Washington have achieved many accomplishments that serve as an inspiration to young women to promote the values of teamwork and cooperation; and
     WHEREAS, Washington high schools have fostered outstanding achievements in girls' and women's sports, including: Jenny Baker, Eatonville High School girls' soccer, National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Adidas Girls' High School All-American Team for the second consecutive year; Bellarmine Preparatory School girls' soccer, Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) 4A Girls' State Champions in 2005 and 2004; Connell High School girls' cross country, WIAA 2A State Academic Champions for a team GPA of 4.0; and Holy Names Academy girls' cross country, WIAA 3A Academic Champions for a team GPA of 4.0; and
     WHEREAS, Washington colleges and universities have fostered outstanding achievements in women's sports, including: Corrie McDaniel, Seattle Pacific University, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Woman of the Year for Washington State; Western Washington University women's rowing team, winner of the 2005 NCAA Division II National Championship; Gonzaga University women's soccer, 1st National ranking; Cortney Kjar, University of Puget Sound, First Team All-American and Division III National Woman's Soccer Player of the year; Eastern Washington University women's soccer, AVCA/Molten Team Academic Award for a team GPA of 3.3 or above for the eighth consecutive year; Laura Valass, Whitman College Nordic skiing, NCAA All-American, Academic All-District first team; and Kate Soma, University of Washington, NCAA pole vault title; and
     WHEREAS, Student-athletes graduate at a higher rate than nonathlete college students, 62 percent compared to 60 percent, respectively; and
     WHEREAS, Institutions of higher education continue to produce elite athletes competing with pride, commitment, and passion. The participation of Washington female collegiate athletes is among the highest in the country at 48 percent of total athletes. The participation rate of female athletes in community colleges in Washington is 46 percent of total athletes. Currently, there are 222 female athletes participating at Central Washington University, 215 female athletes participating at Eastern Washington University, 192 female athletes participating at Pacific Lutheran University, 149 female athletes participating at Seattle Pacific University, 158 female athletes participating at Gonzaga University, 48 female athletes participating at St. Martin's University, 195 female athletes participating at Western Washington University, 116 female athletes participating at Whitman College, and 172 female athletes participating at Whitworth College; and
     WHEREAS, The number of funded research projects focusing on the specific needs of female athletes is limited, and the information provided by the projects is imperative to the health and performance of future female woman athletes;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize Washington Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 5, 2006, and encourage others to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.