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For Immediate Release
February 3, 2010
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Sen. White, Rep. Briggs Recognize National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Harrisburg – State Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), state Rep. Tim Briggs (D-149)
and PA Commission for Women Deputy Director Anne Bale held an event today at the
state Capitol in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, an
annual nationwide celebration honoring the achievements and encouraging the
participation of girls and women in sports.
They also discussed Senate Bill 890 and House Bill 2061, which would ensure
that school districts follow Title IX laws that require that female student
athletes are offered equal opportunities compared to their male counterparts.
"Young women who participate in high school athletics are more likely to stay
in school, to have higher grades, and to graduate," said White. "The proposed
legislation would make it easy for a student athlete, parent or taxpayer to
assess how well a school is meeting its legal obligation to provide equal
opportunities for female students."
National Girls and Women in Sports Day has been celebrated every year since
1987 on the first Wednesday in February in all 50 states with community-based
events honoring the achievements and encouraging participation of girls and
women in sports.
"The theme for this year's recognition event is 'Stay Strong, Play On' and I
think that is most fitting," Briggs said. "So many amazing women have made such
great strides in the world of sports, and have blazed a trail for our young
girls today to reach for the stars."
The recognition event originally began as a day to remember Olympic
volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to ensure
equality for women's sports. Since then, National Girls and Women in Sports Day
has evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports
achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing
struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
CONTACT:
Leigh Ramsey
(717) 787-9684
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