In an effort to develop stronger support for girls and women in sport, the Cincinnati USA Women's Sports Association has as a primary purpose to sponsor annually an awards ceremony to recognize, at the local level, outstanding achievement of female athletes and those who support them. Such recognition is important as it enables the athletes to realize their participation in sport is valued and respected, and it enhances community awareness and support. The association believes strongly in the valuable lessons and benefits that accrue from participation in sport. Examples include learning the importance of teamwork, respecting others for their strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses, learning to perform under pressure, the importance of striving for a goal, experiencing how practice, repetition, and focusing on task produces excellence in performance. The association believes that girls and women should have optimum opportunity to participate in the sport experience. Besides gaining in confidence, self-esteem and pride, girls who engage in sport are 82% less likely to get involved with drugs. They are 80% less likely to have an unwanted pregnancy and are three times more likely to graduate from high school. Physical exercise strengthens the heart, increases bone mass, and may lower a teenage girl's life long risk of breast cancer.
