WSF News

Vote for the Foundation in Chase's "Community Giving" promotion!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:30:03 EST

Help us win 1 million dollars!

Wie wins first LPGA title

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 12:01:21 EST

After playing in 65 pro events over the past decade, takes the Lorena Ochoa Invitational

Annenberg Space for Photography presents SPORT: IOOSS & LEIFER

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 09:27:35 EST

Exhibit includes Foundation athletes and leadership

Semenya to keep gold medal; results of gender tests remain unknown

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:27:38 EST

After months of medical tests, questions and controversy surrounding the gender of South African runner Caster Semenya, the South African Ministry announced on Thursday that Semenya was found innocent of any wrong-doing and will be allowed to keep her gold medal.

However, the questions prompted by Semenya’s gold medal are still left unanswered by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the South African Ministry who agreed to keep the results of Semenya’s gender tests private.

The IAAF first questioned Semenya’s gender after she ran the 800 meters in record time at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany in August. Her sudden dominance over her competitors and masculine physical appearance prompted officials to test if she meets the gender requirements to compete as a woman.

Originally slated to be released in February, the results of these tests will now remain under wraps, as the South African Ministry has persuaded the IAAF to delay their release into the public.

In a statement released Thursday on their website, the South African Ministry stressed the importance of keeping the medical test results private.

"We have agreed with the IAAF that whatever scientific tests were conducted legally within the IAAF regulations will be treated as a confidential matter between patient and doctor," the statement said.

"As such there will be no public announcement of what the panel of scientists has found. We urge all South Africans and other people to respect this professional ethical and moral way of doing things."

The South African Ministry did not always agree with the way the IAAF has handled this case. In its statement released Thursday, IAAF’s part in two newspapers reports of the test findings in September was questioned, which revealed that Semenya tested with both male and female characteristics.

“We have asked the IAAF to apologize at the way the whole Caster Semenya saga was dealt with,” read the South American Ministry’s statement.

"Their response is: 'It is deeply regrettable that information of a confidential nature entered the public domain.' The IAAF is adamant that the public discourse did not originate with them.

Angela Hucles is named 2009 Humanitarian of the Year

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:23:41 EST

On Wednesday, November 18, the U.S. Soccer Foundation named Angela Hucles, two-time Olympic gold medalist and star of the Boston Breakers, the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year. This award is given out annually by the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the major charity organization for soccer in the United States, to U.S. soccer players who are dedicated to giving back to their communities

“Angela’s passion and commitment for providing children in vulnerable communities with opportunities to play soccer is truly inspirational,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “She’s achieved great success both on and off the field and serves as an example to others looking for ways to give back.”

Hucles lends her knowledge and passion every day to organizations such as the Women’s Sports Foundation, where she serves as a member of its Athlete Advisory Panel. In her local community, she is actively involved in America SCORES New England, a unique non-profit after school program that teaches soccer and creative writing to 650 inner-city youth in Boston, Massachusetts. Hucles speaks at annual events for the organization and regularly provides skill sessions to the SCORES kids.

"Angela is so deserving of this award!" said Anne Strong, Director of Strategic Initiatives of America SCORES New England. "For nearly five years she has frequently given her time and personal warmth to inspire our aspiring student athletes to keep giving their all to soccer and to school."

Also receiving the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year Award are Kansas City Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad and Chicago Fire midfielder Logan Pause. As Humanitarian of the Year, each athlete may select a youth program to receive a donation from the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

Hucles chose to donate 300 Kwik Goal soccer balls to middle school kids participating in the America SCORES New England “Voices” program, an event that showcases the kids’ soccer and poetry skills.

Ski Jumpers lose appeal to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games, five-month battle for inclusion ends

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:27:51 EST

Women’s ski jumping remains the last barrier for equal participation

After a two-day hearing last week, 14 female ski jumpers lost their court battle to compete in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. Three judges on the Canadian Supreme Court unanimously rejected their appeal, ruling that the decision to include the sport was ultimately up to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The ski jumpers originally brought their case to the Canadian Supreme Court in July against the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC). They argued that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms requires the VANOC to host Olympic events that give men and women an equal opportunity to compete. The court ruled that the responsibility lies with the IOC, a decision reiterated in last week’s appeal.

The ski jumpers brought their arguments to the IOC in August after losing the original court battle. They highlighted the addition of women’s boxing to the Summer Games, and how the IOC has made ski jumping the last barrier for gender equality in the Olympic Games. In response, the IOC claimed that their decision not to include women’s ski jumping was because the sport was not universally developed, and had nothing to do with excluding women.

In a letter to IOC President Jacques Rogge, former and current ski jumpers argued that women’s ski jumping is growing throughout the globe, and is ready for Olympic competition.

"Since 2006, our universality has increased substantially, and we now have close to 100 women from 18 countries competing at the elite level, again ahead of many of the Olympic sports we should be compared to," the letter reads.

"All we are asking for is one event in 2010, where our male teammates have three."

In response, the IOC said it will introduce women’s ski jumping into the inaugural 2012 Winter Youth Games in Innsbruck, Austria.

Jessica Hardy breaks her own world record

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:25:40 EST

On Sunday, at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) World Cup in Berlin, American swimmer Jessica Hardy won gold and broke her own world record for the 50-meter breaststroke with a time of 28.80 seconds. With this time, Hardy broke her previous record of 28.96 seconds that she set last Wednesday in Eriksdalshallen, Stockholm.

"I'm really happy to go under 29 (seconds)," said Hardy. "It's been a goal all year. I didn't ever think I would do it and I didn't think it would be that easy."

In August, Hardy returned to competition after a year-long ban due to her use of a contaminated powdered supplement called Arginine Extreme.

Last year, U.S. authorities successfully pleaded down her ban from two years to one, given that her positive testing was due to a contaminated substance. Now that Hardy has returned to competition, the World Anti-Doping Agency and FINA are fighting to have the ruling overturned.

"I've been training my butt off because of the stuff I've been through," Hardy said. "The only thing I have control over in my life is swimming and how hard I work. I have really enjoyed working hard and I guess to reap the benefits now is just kind of fun."

Female ski jumpers fight for inclusion in the 2010 Olympic Games

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:05:12 EST

On Thursday, November 12, fourteen female ski jumpers headed back to court in British Columbia, Canada, to get their sport included in the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.

In July, the group of women nicknamed “The Flying 14” in the press brought their case to the Canadian Supreme Court, where they claimed the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) was breaking the Canadian Charter in allowing male ski jumpers to compete in the Olympics, while excluding women competitors in the same sport.

This first court ruling specifically addressed if the Olympic Games is a government activity and thus subject to the Charter. The judge ruled that it is subject to the charter, but as host, cannot make decisions about the sports included. The decision said that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the only governing body that has the power to decide who can compete in the Olympic Games, and the IOC is not subject to the Charter.

Ross Clark, the lawyer for the ski jumpers, is appealing this first decision, claiming that VANOC is still breaking the law by hosting an Olympic event that excludes women.

"What we're saying is that VANOC, in hosting the jumping, is carrying out an activity of the government and because of that, it is bound by the Charter," he said.

The appeal will be heard over two days by a panel of judges at the B.C. Court of Appeal in Vancouver.

The women are hoping a last minute decision will be made to include them in one of the men’s ski jumping events, which take place on the first day of the Games. If the court rules in their favor, the decision would ultimately rest with the IOC.

"It goes back to the IOC and the IOC is going to have to make a decision," said Clark.

"They can cancel the men's ski jumping. They can decide they'll hold the men's ski jumping in another jurisdiction where they don't have equality rights, or they can add the women's."

In the appeal documents submitted after the first ruling, VANOC questioned whether the Charter should even apply in their case.

"(The Charter) only requires the equal distribution of the benefits of the law. The benefit the Appellants were denied - the opportunity to participate in the Games through an Olympic event - can only be provided by the IOC, not by any Canadian law," the committee argues.

"VANOC has not denied the appellants any benefit that it (or any Canadian government) can provide. It is staging the Olympic events with complete respect for gender equality and would be doing so for women's ski jumping had the IOC included it as an Olympic event."

It is unlikely that this case will be resolved in time to affect the Vancouver Games. Even if the verdict is made quickly, both sides will have an opportunity to appeal, delaying the decision until well after the 2010 Olympic Games.

Tennessee takes on Baylor in State Farm Tip-Off Classic

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:59:48 EST

On Sunday, November 15, the women’s college basketball season kicks off with the State Farm Tip-Off Classic between No. 8/9 Tennessee and No. 7/4 Baylor. The University of Tennessee will host the event at the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee. The event is also presented by the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, State Farm, InterSport and ESPN.

The State Farm Tip-Off Classic is the longest running early-season event on ESPN, showcasing the biggest NCAA women’s basketball programs since 1993. In their seven appearances at the State Farm Classic, the Lady Volunteers have won four times: 1993, 1994, 1995 and 2002.

“All of us at Tennessee are very excited to be able to host the State Farm game,” said Pat Summitt, Tennessee head coach, 1999 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (WBHOF) Inductee and WBHOF Board Member. “With such a great opponent coming in, not only will it be an exciting environment for women’s basketball, but I think it’s also going to be two teams battling from beginning to end.”

Baylor will be making its third appearance at the annual event.

“We are honored as a program to be invited to participate in the State Farm game,” said Kim Mulkey, Baylor head coach and 2000 WBHOF Inductee. “Our program, regardless of our (2006) national championship, we’re really new to the scene and we want to continue to try to be an elite program and what better place to learn than against the best. That’s the way I view Tennessee, that’s the way our program views it.”

During halftime of this game, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame will also induct its Class of 2010: Leta Andrews, Teresa Edwards, Rebecca Lobo, Gloria Ray, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Chris Weller.

The State Farm Tip-Off Classic will be televised on ESPN2 at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Foundation, Beantown Jumpers featured on Austin, Texas "News 8" broadcast

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:57:32 EST

The Women’s Sports Foundation, GoGirlGo! Boston’s Director Whitney Post and GoGirlGo! Boston grantees, The Beantown Jumpers, were recently featured on an Austin, Texas, News 8 broadcast, in a segment titled “Girls who play sports are likely headed for bright futures.”

In the online article and accompanying video, Foundation research regarding athletic participation statistics of high school girls is cited, making the News 8 broadcast evermore credible in its suggestion that girls who play sports have higher levels of confidence and self-esteem and lower levels of depression, a message the Foundation tirelessly works to spread.

In the video segment seen during News 8’s nightly broadcast, GoGirlGo! grantees The Beantown Jumpers are featured. The Jumpers are a competitive Double Dutch team from Boston, Quincy and Pembroke, Mass., with team members who include girls and boys, Grade 2 to Grade 5. Their mission is to share the sport of Double Dutch with others while encouraging physical activity, teamwork and fun.

”It makes me feel like I am very special,” Jumper Juliette Silva said of her involvement with the group.

The video also focuses on the disparity between high school athletic opportunities for boys and those for girls. Again citing Foundation research, News 8 Austin states that there are one-third fewer participation opportunities for girls than for boys at the high school level.

“We need to reach out to girls to provide opportunities for them,” said GoGirlGo! Boston Director Whitney Post.

Watch the video here.

More on GoGirlGo! Boston.
More on Beantown Jumpers.

Sofia Mulanovich is victorious in Peru

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:21:43 EST

Mulanovich wins surfing WCT competition in her homeland; ranks No. 3 in the world

On Sunday, November 9, Peruvian surfer Sofia Mulanovich electrified her fans at the World Championship Tour’s (WCT) Movistar Peru Classic, edging out top surfer Stephanie Gilmore in the final seconds of the competition. Mulanovich will move on to the final two tour competitions in Hawaii as the No. 3 female surfer in the world.

Winning in her homeland was a morale-boosting moment for Mulanovich, who received whole-hearted support from the crowd.

“I wanted to win this tour stop more than anything,” says Mulanovich. “To win in Peru, in front of my people who have supported me means everything, it is a dream come true. Now I’m focused on holding tight to this momentum heading into the last two events in Hawaii.”

The crowd was on the edge of their seats as Mulanovich defeated No. 1-seeded Gilmore in the last minute of her heat. Mulanovich’s 7.67 wave score at the end of her run gave her a total score of 15.00, beating out Gilmore’s 14.74.

The surfers travel this week to the North Shore of Hawaii to train for the next tour event. WCT rankings going into Hawaii:

1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 4765 pts
2 – Silvana Lima (BRA) 4188 pts
3 – Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 3891 pts
4 – Coco Ho (HAW) 3679 pts
5 – Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 3043 pts

Suzyn Waldman is the first woman to broadcast a World Series Game

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 12:42:22 EST

On Wednesday, October 28, Suzyn Waldman became the first woman to broadcast a World Series game on the radio.

In the middle of Game 1 on Wednesday, the Yankees honored the veteran broadcaster for reaching this milestone.

"It was very important to me, and it meant a lot," Waldman said. "It really meant a lot to me. It's the highest thing you can do in baseball, broadcast a World Series game."

Waldman is known for her achievements as a woman in sports broadcasting, working consistently in radio and on television since the mid-1990s. Her involvement with the Yankees has been monumental in her becoming the first woman World Series broadcaster, and in all the boundaries she has broken along the way.

Waldman was the second woman in history to serve as the regular color commentator for a Major League Baseball team, and the second woman to serve as a play-by-play announcer.

She credits former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner for hiring her as an analyst at a time when jobs for women were scarce in sports broadcasting.

"If I live to be 150, I could never thank George Steinbrenner enough," Waldman said.

She currently works alongside John Sterling on WCBS radio as the color commentator for the Yankees, a position she has held since 2005.

UNM soccer player Elizabeth Lambert suspended indefinitely

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 12:36:49 EST

Last Thursday’s Mountain West Conference Tournament semi-final match between the University of New Mexico (UNM) and Brigham Young University’s (BYU) women’s soccer teams will not be remembered by the final score or spectacular play by any one player, but by a series of violent actions by UNM player Elizabeth Lambert.

Throughout the game, Lambert was consistently aggressive, taking the physical play present on the soccer field to a dangerous level. Lambert violently yanked BYU’s Kassidy Shumway’s ponytail, throwing her on the ground, and punched BYU forward Carlee Payne after Payne elbowed Lambert in the stomach. She finally received a yellow card with four minutes left to play, after tripping a BYU player.

If her punishment during the game seemed light, she received her full penalty following the game, as she was suspended indefinitely from the team, according to a written statement from UNM coach Kit Vela that was released on Friday.

“Liz is a quality student-athlete, but in this instance her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship,” Vela said.

Lambert apologized to the BYU players that she let her “emotions get the better” of her, and took full responsibility for her actions.

“This is in no way indicative of my character or the soccer player that I am,” Lambert said. “I am sorry to my coaches and teammates for any and all damages I have brought upon them. I am especially sorry to BYU and the BYU women’s soccer players that were personally affected by my actions. I have the utmost respect for the BYU women’s soccer program and its players.”

UNM’s Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs said Lambert’s actions were reprehensible.

“Liz’s conduct on the field against BYU was completely inappropriate,” Krebs said in a statement. “There is no way to defend her actions.”

BYU won the game 1-0, and moved on in the tournament to play second-seeded San Diego State on Saturday, November 7.