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 year’s theme is “Look who’s Playing”;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim February 28, 2009, to be

GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY

in Idaho, and call upon the citizens of the state to recognize the important role that women's athletics plays 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 in Boise on this 23rd day of February in the year of our Lord two thousand and nine of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-third and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred nineteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE