WHEREAS, Participation in athletics is one of the most effective ways for students 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 both males and females can benefit from both strong minds and strong bodies; 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 influence lifelong habits of physical fitness; and
     WHEREAS, Individuals who participate in sports have higher levels of self-esteem, less depression, and a reduced risk for disease and other illness; and
     WHEREAS, Girls and women historically have had fewer opportunities to participate in school and professional athletics but have made major gains in participation in recent decades; and
     WHEREAS, Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in schools and colleges receiving federal funds, has aided in increasing the national average number of women's sports from 2.2 to 7.7; and
     WHEREAS, The state of Washington honors the struggle, perseverance, and strength of women who have paved the way for Washington's female athletes; and
     WHEREAS, 66,083 female athletes participate in high school sports in Washington, constituting 43% of the total number of athletes as compared to the national average of women participating in sports in high school which is 41%; 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. Examples of successful high school teams include: Seattle Prep, winner of the 2002 WIAA state Volleyball Championship; Snohomish High School, winner of the girls 2002 WIAA state Cross Country Championship; and Mercer Island High School, winner of the 2002 WIAA state women's tennis Championship; and
     WHEREAS, Washington colleges and universities have fostered outstanding achievements in women's athletics, including: The University of Washington's women crew team, the winner of three NCAA Division 1 Championships; the naming of Anna Mickelson as NCAA woman of the year for her accomplishments on the UW crew team; and the naming of Jen Barcus league and state MVP for her accomplishments on the Washington State University volleyball team as well as the Seattle Times State 2A Girls Basketball player of the year; 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% when compared to men. The participation rate of female athletes in community colleges in Washington is 46% when compared to men. Currently, there are 250 female athletes participating at Central Washington University, 190 female athletes participating at Eastern Washington University, 56 female athletes participating at The Evergreen State College, 195 female athletes participating at Pacific Lutheran University, 125 female athletes participating at Seattle Pacific University, 115 female athletes participating at Gonzaga University, 100 female athletes participating at Seattle University, 48 female athletes participating at St. Martin's College, 246 female athletes participating at the University of Puget Sound, 324 female athletes participating at the University of Washington, 248 female athletes participating at Washington State University, 186 female athletes participating at Western Washington University, 41 female athletes participating at Walla Walla College, 42 female athletes participating at Whitman College, and 48 female athletes participating at Whitworth College; and
     WHEREAS, Washington is honored to host the Seattle Storm, a professional women's basketball sports team, and new Head Coach Anne Donovan and the thirteen professional women athletes on the team, who have proven that women's sports do not end at the collegiate level; and
     WHEREAS, Sue Bird, point guard for the Seattle Storm, was named the Seattle P-I's Sports Star of the Year at the 68th annual Awards; and
     WHEREAS, The state of Washington is honored to have Barbara Hedges, athletic director at the University of Washington, paving the way for women in athletics administration. Women across the country are underrepresented in leadership positions of coaches, officials, and sports administrators, and there is a demonstrated need for women to serve in these positions to ensure a fair representation of the abilities of women and to provide role models for young female athletes; 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 athletes;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate celebrate Washington Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 6, 2003, and encourage others to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.