EUGENE–Girls who participate in sports are three times more likely to graduate and are significantly less likely to be involved in an unwanted pregnancy than those who don’t.

Those statistics from the national Institute for Athletics and Education prompted the University of Oregon’s James H. Warsaw Sports Marketing Center and the Women’s Sports Network to sponsor the Sports Awards Program honoring female athletes. The second annual awards program this spring will recognize the achievements of local women and girls who excel in sports and fitness.

"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," says event organizer Kathryn Bayha.

Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony on Thursday, May 4, during the annual Warsaw Sports Business Symposium Luncheon, which is hosted by the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business.

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, March 24.

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 have shown exemplary leadership, community service or other qualities. The age categories include: Sportsgirl, a middle 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.

Nomination forms are available from the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the Warsaw Center, (541) 346-3411.

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