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Contact: Jenni Brockman Phone: 804-443-3357 Fax: 804-443-6781 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tappahannock (February 3, 2003) - Student-athletes at St. Margaret's School will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 5 by doing what they usually do: getting out there and shooting baskets, scoring goals and swimming laps. In a typical athletic season, two-thirds of the student body play on competitive teams. Many other girls work out after school at a local fitness center or on the school's equipment. 
Photo left:
SMS varsity soccer players outmaneuvered their Steward counterparts in a recent victory over the Richmond school.
"We see first-hand the transforming effect of girls' participation in sports and physical fitness," said Athletic Director Sue Saunders. "They are positive about themselves and their bodies, willing to set goals and accustomed to doing what it takes to achieve them." Students at St. Margaret's and other National Coalition of Girls' Schools institutions have advice to share for other girls who want to get in the game, including how to start, stay motivated, and make the most of victories as well as defeats:  Try lots of sports. Each one is different, and each demands different skills. Sample them all; there's sure to be one that you love, and that really suits you. Go to some games. Not sure where to start? Go to some games -- school, college or pro -- and see what's what. Get there early, and talk with some of the players about why they love their sport. Team up with a friend. Learning something new can be more fun, and a lot less intimidating, with a friend by your side. Find someone who's looking to get into the game too, and sign up for a team sport together. Celebrate small victories. Don't obsess about being an all-star. Get revved up when you succeed at, say, skating backwards for the first time, or serving a tennis ball right on target. Learn from defeats. Even your disappointments can yield valuable life lessons. Understanding why you didn't win or achieve your goal can improve your chances for success the next time. Have fun! Sure, it takes work to train and learn the moves. But never forget it's a game. You're supposed to be enjoying yourself!The theme of this year's Girls and Women in Sports Day is "Succeed in Sports, Lead in Life." And the connection is clear, according to the National Coalition of Girls' Schools. "Participation in sports can yield a lifetime of benefits for girls and young women," said Meg Milne Moulton and Whitney Ransome, NCGS Executive Directors "The leadership and team-building skills they learn now will serve them well whether they become pro athletes, parents, scientists, business executives or community activists." St. Margaret's is one of 103 members of the National Coalition of Girls' Schools. Based in Concord, Massachusetts, the Coalition represents private and public all-girl schools in the United States, with affiliates in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. For more tips for girls, parents and educators, visit the Coalition online at www.ncgs.org. |
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