Hall of Famers Have A New Place To Call Home
The Women's Sports Foundation celebrates hall of fame induction ceremony at its new venue—the Billie Jean King
NEW YORK, N.Y., (June 9, 2008) – With the first induction ceremony today, the Billie Jean King International Women’s Sports Center became the official home to the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Billie Jean King, founder of the Women’s Sports Foundation, and Sheila C. Johnson, president and managing partner of the Washington Mystics, hosted the 2008 induction ceremony and celebrated the grand opening of the Billie Jean King Center. Johnson is the major benefactor of the Hall of Fame.
Created by the Women’s Sports Foundation, the Billie Jean King Center is the first museum exhibit and hall of fame dedicated exclusively to all women’s sports. Located in the Sports Museum of America, the Center gives visitors easy access to women’s sports history through an interactive, multimedia sports experience.
In recognition of the evening’s events, the Center featured a special exhibit of Women’s Sports Foundation President Aimee Mullins’ “cheetahs” — carbon-fiber prosthetic legs. Mullins was the first to compete on the prosthetics currently used by South African runner Oscar Pistorious who has been competing against athletes without disabilities and who has qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games.
“The ‘Cheetahs Exhibit’ and induction ceremony are just examples of what’s to come at the Billie Jean King International Women’s Sports Center. The Center will continue to celebrate and tell the stories of the world’s greatest women’s sports figures.” said Women’s Sports Foundation’s Chief Program and Planning Officer, Marj Snyder.
The Women’s Sports Foundation began the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 and has been the keeper of the compelling legacies of world-class female athletes ever since. Through the generous gift of Sheila C. Johnson, the Hall of Fame finally has a permanent home at the Billie Jean King Center.
The Women’s Sports Foundation congratulates this year’s inductees:
Contemporary
Shannon Miller gained prominence when she became the first American gymnast to win an individual gold medal on the balance beam, in 1996, and continued in the sport to become the most decorated American gymnast, earning seven Olympic medals.
“It’s such an honor to be inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. I am a member of several halls of fame, and each one is so special, but to be inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame holds a special place,” said Miller.
Janet Guthrie who presented Miller with her award said, “It is a true privilege to induct Shannon Miller … into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame! “
Algerian track star Hassiba Boulmerka is the first African woman to win a world championship title in long-distance running. Controversy has followed her throughout her career. Because Boulmerka, a Muslim, bared her legs while running in track shorts, she drew criticism from fundamentalist Islamic groups. When she became the most decorated female runner in the 1,500m category, she became a role model to many Algerian women.
In presenting Boumerka’s award, tennis great Martina Navratilova said, “What is equally impressive is the “career” that began after her official retirement from sports, a little more than 10 years ago,” Navratilova said.
Pioneer
Hisako “Chako” Higuchi was the first Japanese player to win a major championship on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour and a charter member of the Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association of Japan (JLPGA). Her famed victory on the Tour came in 1977 when she captured the LPGA Championship, which earned the golfer a ticker-tape parade in Tokyo. To this day, Higuchi is the only Japanese player, male or female, to have captured a major championship title on either the LPGA or PGA Tour. In many ways, the golfer known for her distinguished swing paved the way for Asian international players.
Brooklyn native and hall of fame member Rusty Kanokogi, summed up Higuchi’ s speech, delivered in Japanese and said, “I got it.” She then translated her speech into English.
Coach
This year’s induction of Sue Enquist, one of the most winning coaches in softball, is somewhat ironic, since 2008 is the last year that softball will make an appearance in the Olympic Games. Softball superstars Christie Ambrosi,
Jennifer Brundage, Sheila Cornell Douty, Lisa Fernandez, Stacey Nuveman, Dot Richardson and Amanda Freed were all coached by Enquist during their UCLA careers.
When Enquist learned of her hall of fame induction she said, “I was speechless, I was overwhelmed, and I am never speechless.” She added, “To be the inaugural class going into the museum makes this so special as well.” Five-time national coach of the year and member of the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame Linda Volldstedt who presented , Enquist with her honor said, “The coach we’re about to honor will join two legends from the world of softball: coaches Sharron Backus and Marjorie Wright. And she will make them proud.”
Information on the Sports Museum is available at www.SportsMuseum.com.
The Women’s Sports Foundation—the leading authority on the participation of women and girls in sports—advocates for equality, educates the public, conducts research and offers grants to promote sports and physical activity for girls and women. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, the Women’s Sports Foundation builds on her legacy as a champion athlete, advocate of social justice and agent of change. We strive for gender equity and fight discrimination in sports. Our work shapes public attitude about women’s sports and athletes, builds capacities for organizations that get girls active, provides equal opportunities for girls and women, and supports physically and emotionally healthy lifestyles. The Women’s Sports Foundation is recognized