WHEREAS,  the National Girls and Women in Sports Day Coalition celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day in Washington, D.C. and encourages its celebration in communities across the nation; and

WHEREAS,  this day exists to recognize the past and current sports achievements of girls and women, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality and access for girls and women in sports; and

WHEREAS,  National Girls and Women in Sports Day began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her commitment to ensure equality for women's sports; and

WHEREAS,  despite the history of impressive successes of girls and women in sports, there has been little national recognition of the significance of girls' and women's athletic achievements; and

WHEREAS,  at all levels of athletics, girls and women develop self-discipline, initiative, confidence and leadership skills regardless of background; and

WHEREAS,  the bonds girls and women build through athletics help to break down the social barriers of racism and prejudice, and the communication and cooperation skills learned through sports play a key role in the athletes' contributions at home, at work and to society; and

WHEREAS,  a need for increased opportunities exists for girls to participate in and pursue physical activity in the community and at the scholastic level so that they may, beginning at an early age, improve their health and well-being on a daily basis and develop lifelong fitness habits; now, therefore, be it