EUGENE–Is your grandmother a free-throw pro? Is your daughter a future Olympian? If so, now’s your chance to nominate her for the Eugene/Springfield Sports Award Program.

Parents, coaches and anyone from the community at large or from the local schools, youth groups, parks departments, recreation and local fitness centers may submit nominations through Friday, April 23.

Nomination forms are available through the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon, (541) 346-3411. The University of Oregon James H. Warsaw Sports Marketing Center and the Women in Sports Network are sponsors of the event.

"This awards program is the first in what we hope will be a long tradition of celebrating the participation and achievement of local female athletes," says event organizer Sadie Dressekie. "Girls and women who are active in sports and recreational activities feel greater confidence, self-esteem and pride. Girls will be more likely to remain involved in sports when they know that their achievements are valued," she adds.

A blue-ribbon panel of representatives from schools, youth organizations, local businesses, government, and girls’ and women’s sports organizations will select winners from the pool of nominees. The UO center will give awards to the best female athletes in three age groups who also portray exemplary leadership, community service or other qualities. The age categories include: Sportsgirl, a junior high school girl; High School Sportswoman, a high school girl; and Master's Sportswoman, a post-college athlete. In addition, a special recognition, Youth Sports Leader, will go to an individual who has made great contributions to community girls sports.

Winners will receive their awards at a ceremony to be held Friday, May 14, at the annual Women in Sports Business Symposium Luncheon hosted by the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business.

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