Olympic medalist Anita L. DeFrantz gave a speech in Slee Hall on Saturday in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD).
The first NGWSD took place on Feb. 4, 1987 to honor Flo Hyman, the volleyball champion who brought the formerly obscure sport to the forefront of American sports with a silver medal win in the 1984 Olympic Games. UB has celebrated NGWSD for the past 18 years.
DeFrantz, who achieved great success in rowing, has worked to promote women's involvement in sports for many years, and has made sports history several times.
During the speech, DeFrantz talked about her experiences as a female athlete and offered advice that could be applied to anyone's life.
"I learned the most important life lesson from my grandmother - you can do whatever you want to do. I made sure I did my best, with no regrets," DeFrantz said. "Always be able to ask for help along the way, you can learn so much."
DeFrantz was the first American woman and first African American to serve as vice president of the International Olympic Committee, according to the Aetna Foundation's Web site.
In Oct. 2007, DeFrantz was named one of the 100 most influential sports educators in the United States by the Institute for International Sports, the Olympic Movement's official Web site reported.
In 1991, DeFrantz was honored with the IOC's "Woman of the Year" Award, and the Honor Award from the National Association of Women Collegiate Athletic Administrators, according to the International Museum of Women Web site.
DeFrantz believes that every woman has the right to pursue sports, and that right should be taken advantage of in order to learn important life lessons.
"Sports is a birthright, you have the right to take part in sports. Rowing changed my life. What I learned was that you could be a member of a team," DeFrantz said.
Amanda Garbacz, a junior communication major, was inspired by DeFrantz's message.
"It was nice to know that there was someone there with the same passion as me, considering she is in such an influential position. I am on the rowing team and she is very inspirational," Garbacz said.
Alyssa Tevens, a senior psychology major and student athlete who was honored at the event for her achievements in UB athletics, expressed passion about her position as a successful woman in sports.
"I am an athlete. I play for the love of the game, I play for me," Tevens said.
UB women athletes have also promoted women's involvement in sports in the community. This academic year, they visited several local elementary and middle schools to present the benefits of participating in sports and share information about the different opportunities for female athletes at UB.
In addition to DeFrantz's speech, an exhibit entitled "Hoops, Nets, Hurdles, Meters, Waves and Diamonds" was displayed on the first floor of the Capen Undergraduate Library and a multi-sports clinic was offered to girls ages 7 to 14 at the Alumni Arena Triple Gym.
The exhibit has a series of seven cases that feature pictures, jerseys, team schedules, newspaper articles, timelines, and other sports memorabilia. One showcases photos and biographies of several members of the UB Women's Athletics Hall of Fame. The exhibit will be on display through March 31.
The clinic included booths with representatives from UB's varsity and club sports teams.
These events were followed by a basketball doubleheader on Saturday night.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
