Res. No. 793
Resolution recognizing February 9, 2005 as National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
By Council Members Boyland, Baez, Barron, Clarke, Comrie, Fidler, Gennaro, Gentile, Gerson, Gonzalez, James, Katz, Liu, McMahon, Nelson, Palma, Quinn, Recchia Jr., Sanders Jr., Stewart, Vann and Weprin
Whereas, On Wednesday, February 9, 2005, the American Association of University Women, Girls Scouts of the USA, Girls Incorporated, the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, The National Women’s Law Center, the Women’s Sports Foundation, and the YWCA USA will join together to celebrate the 19th Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day with celebrations and events held across the country; and
Whereas, The theme of this year’s celebration is “More Than a Game”, indicating that sports for girls and women is much more than just a fun pastime; and
Whereas, One of the purposes of this celebration is to recognize the achievements, both past and present, of girls and women in sports since, although the history of females in sports is long and rich, there has traditionally been little national recognition of the significance of their athletic achievements; and
Whereas, Another purpose of this event is to celebrate the positive influence sports participation has on girls and women; and
Whereas, According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, women who exercise have lower levels of blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides, and have lower blood pressure than non-exercising women; and
Whereas, Research studies commissioned by the Women’s Sports Foundation concluded that girls involved in sports not only benefit from better health, but are also less likely to engage in risky health behaviors, such as smoking, drinking or using drugs; and
Whereas, Such research also indicated that girls who participate in sports are more likely to experience academic success and graduate from high school than those who do not play sports; and
Whereas, Athletics, at all levels, is also one of the most effective avenues available through which girls and women of all backgrounds in the United States may develop self-discipline, self-confidence, and leadership skills; and
Whereas, The bonds built among girls and women through athletics can help break down the social barriers of racism and prejudice, and the communication and cooperation skills learned through participation in athletics can play an important role in shaping the contributions that girls and women make in society; and
Whereas, The celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day also serves to acknowledge the continuing struggle for equality in and access to sports for girls and women; and
Whereas, Girls and women need greater daily opportunities to pursue and participate in physical activity at both the community and scholastic levels, in order to enhance their health and develop lifelong fitness habits; and
Whereas, Despite Title IX protections and gains made by girls and women, inequities and barriers still exist which prevent females from participating in scholastic sports to the same degree as males; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes February 9, 2005 as National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
LS #2309
JP 1/26/05