Introduction to Modern Women in Sports: Beyond Winning.

Women can benefit from sports activities across the entire continuum from play to professional. Women have been catapulted into serious sports training and have been able to contend for more sports opportunities due to the evolution of clothing reforms, more acceptable sports, the right to vote, and the right to control pregnancy. Women have gained much from their growing participation in sports at all levels, such as improved health; releasing muscle and nervous tension; self-expression and self-esteem; and development of leadership, followship, cooperation, and the willingness to sacrifice for the group toward a common goal. Women need to value physical activity and act on that value by choosing to participate. Women have the right to participate on all levels of sport and are entitled to opportunities, training, availability, access, gender equity, and support. The well being and empowerment of women as vital members of society are the benefits beyond winning. (Contains 11 references.) (JDD)