WHEREAS, the history of women in sports is rich and long, but there has been little national recognition of the significance of women’s athletic achievements; and

        WHEREAS, women’s athletics is one of the most effective avenues available through which women in America may develop self-discipline, initiative confidence, and leadership skills; and

        WHEREAS, the bonds built between girls and women through athletics help to break down the social barriers of racism and prejudice, and the communication and cooperation skills learned play a key role in the athlete’s contributions at home, at work, and to society; and

        WHEREAS, the number of funded research projects focusing on the specific needs of women athletes is limited and the information provided by these projects is imperative to the health and performance of future women athletes; and

        WHEREAS, this years theme is “Play Fair”;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim February 7, 2006, to be

G I R L S   A N D   W O M E N   I N   S P O R T S   D A Y

in Idaho, and call upon the citizens of the state to recognize the important role women's athletics play in the development of young women throughout the state.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this tenth day of December in the year of our Lord two thousand and five of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirtieth and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred sixteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE