Assembly Resolution No. 837

BY: M. of A. Wallace

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 7, 2024, as Girls and Women in Sports Day
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is with noble admiration that this Legislative Body pays
just tribute to those venerable female athletes who distinguish
themselves through notable achievements and represent their State and
Nation with pride and determination; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body hereby memorializes Governor Kathy
Hochul to proclaim February 7, 2024, as Girls and Women in Sports Day in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Girls and Women in Sports Day; and

WHEREAS, This year, National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD)
is observed on February 7th with the purpose of promoting the narrative
of women in every aspect of sports, and breaking the gender stereotypes
built around the sports industry; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, National Girls and Women in Sports Day aims to
motivate girls and women to play sports and be energetic, and to realize
their full potential, seizing each day as an opportunity to play their
favorite sport for a mental and physical boost; and

WHEREAS, National Girls and Women in Sports Day was first observed
in 1987 to remember the Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman,
acknowledging her as the best female volleyball player of her time and
recognizing her tireless work in promoting equal representation of women
in sports; and

WHEREAS, Since Flo Hyman's death, the day has evolved to commemorate
all women athletes, their achievements, the positive impacts of
inclusion of women in sports, and to address the challenges regarding
equal participation of women in sports activities; the day also
appreciates the progression made since the enactment of the civil rights
law, Title IX; and

WHEREAS, Title IX was a public law passed in 1972, which completely
changed the women's narrative in sports; this vital legislation called
for equal participation of everyone in all federally funded programs and
activities; subsequently, all public schools would ensure equitable
sports opportunities to the students, regardless of their gender; and

WHEREAS, A true breakthrough in women's sports, prior to Title IX
only one in 27 girls had access to sports activities; today, that
statistic has lowered to two in five girls, which is a commendable
improvement; and

WHEREAS, Celebrated in all 50 states, National Girls and Women in
Sports Day is celebrated by organizing community events, award
ceremonies, and other sports activities which inspire girls and women to
play sports and be active; and

WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride
and accomplishment, and the outstanding girls and women in athletics
across this great Empire State have clearly made a contribution to the
spirit of excellence which is their tradition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 7, 2024 as Girls
and Women in Sports Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.