Feb. 8, 2005
Click Here for the Winning Essays in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
The Siena College Athletic Department honored all of its 11 Division I Women's Sports as part of a National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) celebration on Saturday, February 5, 2005. The celebration revolved around the women's basketball game against Niagara University.
The day festivities kicked off with a reception for all of Siena's women's sports teams and coaches prior to the women's basketball game at 1:30 p.m. where sophomore Sugam Langer (tennis), junior Tricia Eldred (field hockey) and senior Colleen Price (softball) were recognized for their contributions to the growth of women in sports.
In addition to honoring Langer, Eldred and Price, Siena also recognized the three essay contest winners, 4th grader Kevin Flynn from Glenmont School, wrote, "Females should have the same opportunities as males." 5th grader Melissa McIndoe of Menands School wrote, "Women share the same dreams and aspirations as males." Deirdre Joyce a 6th grader from Acadia Middle School wrote how "Amanda Beard isn't just a fantastic swimmer, but a great role model."
Each of the essay winners letters were publicized in the Siena program and each received a full scholarship to attend a Siena camp this summer.
Enterprise Rent-a-Car presented a motivational slide show to honor girls and women in sports. Dr. Cheryl (Glover) Buff, a Siena Alumnae served as the special guest. Former Saint basketball player, Audra Spremullo, '01 shared her remarks as a student, athlete and continuing a path in sports for girls and women.
The National Girls and Women in Sports Coalition sponsor the annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The U.S. Congress chartered the Day in 1986 to honor female athletic achievement and recognize the importance of sports and fitness participation for all girls and women.
NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women's sports. Hyman died of Marfan's Syndrome in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. Since that time, NGWSD has evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
