Sponsored by:
Senator MICHAEL L. TESTA, JR.
District 1 (Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senator Diegnan
SYNOPSIS
Designates February 4th of each year as “Women and Girls in Sports Day” in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating February 4th of each year as “Women and Girls in Sports Day” in New Jersey.
Whereas, Sport and physical activity play critical roles in the lives of all people and are essential for good physical and emotional health; and
Whereas, Opportunities in sports were traditionally open to men only, however the 20th and 21st centuries saw women and girls strive to increasingly participate in sports despite societal obstacles; and
Whereas, Gender disparities continue to exist in sports and less prize money, sponsorships, facilities, equipment, and athletic opportunities are allocated for women and girl sports; and
Whereas, Sports are essential to teaching girls important life skills which are drivers of gender equality such as confidence, resilience, initiative, self-reliance, self-discipline, leadership, and teamwork; and
Whereas, Physical activity is key to the development of healthy bodies and minds and sports encourage women and girls to become and remain physically active; and
Whereas, Women’s sports have produced successful and inspiring athletes who serve as good role models to fans of all ages and genders such as New Jersey natives Carli Lloyd and Laurie Hernandez; and
Whereas, The considerable achievements of women and girls in sports deserve recognition and women’s fight against gender inequality deserves awareness; and
Whereas, February 4th is nationally recognized as “National Girls and Women in Sports Day”; and
Whereas, The State of New Jersey can recognize women and girls’ contribution to sports and further encourage women and girls to participate in sports and physical activity and promote gender equality by designing February 4th as “Women and Girls in Sports Day” in New Jersey; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. February 4th of each year is designated as “Women and Girls in Sports Day” in the State of New Jersey to recognize and celebrate women and girls’ contribution to sports.
2. The Governor is respectfully
requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing February 4th as “Women
and Girls in Sports Day” in New Jersey, and call upon public officials and
citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and
programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates February 4th of each year as “Women and Girls in Sports Day”. Opportunities in sports were traditionally open to only men and women were discouraged from participating in and taking an interest in sports. The 20th and 21st centuries saw women strive to increasingly participate in sports, however gender disparities continue to exist as less support and resources are provided to women’s sports in comparison to men’s sports. This lack of investment has led to issues such as pay disparities and the unequal allocation of facilities and equipment for women’s sports. In spite of these inequalities, women have contributed significantly to sports and inspiring athletes such as New Jersey natives Carli Lloyd and Laurie Hernandez make excellent role models to fans of all ages and genders. Women and girls deserve recognition for their contributions to sports and an awareness of their fight for gender equality.
It should be further acknowledged that sports are essential in the lives of girls because participation in sports teach important life skills, which later empower them as women to stand up against gender inequalities both in sports and in their daily lives. Physical activity is necessary for good overall health and sports are important because they encourage women and girls to become and remain physically active.