HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4714, by Representatives Jacobsen, Mitchell, Cooke, Robertson and Ballasiotes

      WHEREAS, Athletics is one of the most effective ways for women in the United States to develop leadership skills, self-discipline, initiative, and confidence; and

      WHEREAS, Sport and fitness activity contributes to emotional and physical well-being, and women need both strong minds and strong bodies; and

      WHEREAS, The communication and cooperation skills learned through athletic experience play a key role in the contributions of athletes to the home, to the workplace, and to society; and

      WHEREAS, Early motor skill training and enjoyable experiences of physical activity strongly influence life-long habits of physical fitness; and

      WHEREAS, The bonds built among women through athletics help break down the social barriers of racism and prejudice; and

      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; and

      WHEREAS, The state of Washington has produced women athletes who are winners, such as Olympic skier Debbie Armstrong, ice skater Rosalynn Sumners, track star Doris Heritage, swimmer Mary Wayte, synchronized swimmer Tracie Ruiz-Conforto, marathon runner Lisa Weidenbach, soccer player Shannon Higgins, and boxer Dallas Malloy, whose spirit, talent, and accomplishments distinguished them from others and were a source of inspiration and pride to all of us; and

      WHEREAS, The number of women in the leadership positions of coaches, officials, and administrators has declined drastically over the past decade, and there is a need to restore women to these positions to ensure a fair representation of the abilities of women and to provide role models for young female athletes; and

      WHEREAS, The athletic opportunities for male students at the college and high school level remain significantly greater than the athletic opportunities 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 the projects is imperative to the health and performance of future women athletes;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That February 1, 1996, be designated as National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      Resolution 4714 adopted by the House of Representatives

                         February 2, 1996.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk