WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today – on the 37th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day – lawmakers on Capitol Hill will hear from Riley Gaines, 12x All-American from the University of Kentucky, who famously tied biological male Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Division I Swimming Championships. Gaines, the “Stand With Women” spokeswoman at Independent Women’s Forum (IWF), will discuss the growing threats to female athletes who are being forced to compete against biological males. She will call for legislation at the federal and state levels that protect the integrity of women’s sports for future generations.
Gaines will be joined by three other female athletes. “Sports empower girls and women, on and off the field – or in my case, the pool,” said Gaines.
She continued, “Through sports, we cultivate friendships, understand teamwork, build confidence, test our limits, work hard, make sacrifices, and dream big. Yet, opportunities to simply compete, or just be a part of a team, are being stripped entirely from women and given to biological males instead. Recent policies that promote so-called ‘inclusion’ and ‘tolerance’ are outright discrimination. Far too many female athletes today feel discouraged and traumatized. Dreams are being shattered.”
While on Capitol Hill, Gaines will meet with Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee Virginia Foxx, and several other members of Congress.
Regarding her meetings with leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, Gaines added: “I know the conversations today on Capitol Hill during National Girls & Women in Sports Day will be productive in working towards sound policies to ultimately reinstate the equity, sportsmanship, and fairness that has since been lost in women’s sports. Still, I believe we should all celebrate this National Girls & Women in Sports Day because there are incredible moments and achievements to recognize, and there are young girls to inspire to reach their dreams. Today, there are so many women and men, athletes and non-athletes alike, and members of Congress here today, who are fighting to protect women’s sports for future generations, and that is what should be celebrated on this day.”
House Republican lawmakers are poised to consider the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act this Congress.
Details:
WHAT: 37th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day on Capitol Hill
WHEN: Wednesday, February 1, 2023
- 1:00 PM: Speaker Event with Female Athletes
- 1:30 PM: Congressional Panel Moderated by Riley Gaines
WHERE: U.S. Capitol, Rayburn Room
WHY: Awareness for National Girls & Women in Sports Day