Secretary of Health and Human Services Encourages Girls to Enter Sports

The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports released results of a study today which show the female high school athletes receive better grades, are less likely to drop out of school, more likely to go to college, and develop fewer health problems than their non-athletic counterparts. Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala used the study’s results as a spring board to encourage more girls to enter sports. She commented, "The good news is, today, more girls are getting into the game than ever before. [However,] there are still too many people who think getting fit isn’t feminine and not enough opportunities [exist] for girls to participate at every level. Young girls are still twice as likely to be inactive as young boys. And girls living in poverty – especially girls of color – still face even greater obstacles. That must change."

Media Resources: Associated Press - March 28, 1997

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