2026 House Resolution 349

Whereas, Girls and women across Michigan demonstrate excellence, determination, and leadership through participation in athletics at every level; and

Whereas, Michigan ranked eighth nationally in 2025 for girls’ participation in high school athletics, with around 125,000 girls participating in high school sports; and (Source)

Whereas, Thousands of women compete as elite student-athletes at universities and colleges throughout Michigan, elevating the standard of athletic achievement and academic excellence; and

Whereas, Michigan is home to a rapidly expanding roster of professional, semi-professional, and amateur women’s sports teams that showcase the extraordinary talent and dedication of women athletes, generate immense pride in their communities, and inspire the next generation of girls across the state; and

Whereas, The Professional Women’s Hockey League and the Women’s National Basketball Association have both selected Detroit for major expansions, bringing elite professional women’s hockey and basketball to Michigan and decisively strengthening the state’s prominence in women’s professional sports; and

Whereas, Countless outstanding athletes have launched and forged their athletic careers in Michigan, establishing a powerful legacy of success that continues to resonate nationwide; and

Whereas, Girls and women throughout Michigan engage in athletics at every stage of life—from youth recreation and school-based programs to collegiate, amateur, and professional competition—proving the profound and lasting impact that sports participation delivers across a lifetime; and

Whereas, Early participation in sports equips girls with indispensable confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills that empower them for lifelong success; and

Whereas, Michigan proudly celebrates and honors the outstanding accomplishments of its women athletes, coaches, officials, mentors, and leaders who have built and advanced the rich, proud history of women’s athletics in our state; and

Whereas, As the 2026-2027 school year and athletic seasons commence across Michigan, August presents a critical opportunity to recognize the vital importance of girls’ and women’s participation in sports and to celebrate the individuals and communities driving the continued growth and excellence of women’s athletics in Michigan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare August 2026 as Girls and Women in Sports Month in the state of Michigan. We firmly recognize, celebrate, and champion the achievements and contributions of girls and women in athletics, and we honor those who have shaped and continue to strengthen Michigan’s distinguished tradition of women’s sports.