This is an archive page.  The links are no longer being updated.


REMARKS BY:	DONNA E. SHALALA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PLACE:		The National Women's Law Center Awards Ceremony, Washington, D.C.
DATE:		November 16, 2000

Public Service Award for Olympian Marion Jones

I'm pleased to join the National Women's Law Center for this celebration of one of American's truly great champions -- Marion Jones. Hard as this may be to believe: I am not a sprinter. Still, I was a natural pick to introduce Marion. My colleague, General Barry McCaffrey, likes to tell people that I'm the only person who made it to President Clinton's cabinet on a full athletic scholarship.

The problem is - and it's a problem all around our country - there are too few women receiving athletic scholarships. There's simply no excuse for women not to have the same opportunities in sports that they now have in health care, education and the work place.

Since 1972, the National Women's Law Center has been working to improve opportunities. I'm a proud former board member and a longtime supporter of the National Women's Law Center. And I know how hard you're working to level the playing field -- securing brighter futures for our sisters and daughters. I'd like to thank Nancy Duff Campbell, Marcia Greenberger and their talented staff for their tremendous commitment and outstanding work on behalf of women everywhere.

But the National Women's Law Center cannot protect and promote the rights of women and families alone. Like the Olympic rings, we have to link arms and unite for the common purpose of giving women full equality of opportunity.

Tonight, we have with us an extraordinary person who is helping to inspire and unite us in our mission. She's an athlete who represents the highest ideals of courage, discipline and excellence. She has been an inspiration to millions of young girls around the globe. She embodies the positive influence sports can have on women. And, she reminds me of the old proverb: "Sports do not build character--they reveal it."

In Marion Jones' case, sports have revealed a character of irrefutable charm and grace. In Sydney, Marion amazed the world with her poise, her focus and -- of course -- her speed. She won three gold medals - and five medals in all - a new Olympic record.

But Marion Jones is a superstar both on and off the track. She led North Carolina to the NCAA title in her first year of college basketball. And, as I mentioned, she's put her fame to good use, becoming a stellar role model for girls throughout the world. And, she's the subject of the acclaimed new book, See How She Runs.

Marion, tonight we honor you as the fastest woman in the world. We honor you for your drive to be the best. We honor you for your generous team spirit. We honor you for reaching out to young people. We honor you for your tremendous heart. And, we honor you as living proof of the wisdom of expanding opportunities to more women through Title IX, a chance for young girls to excel in sports.

And so, it is my great privilege to present an award this evening, on behalf of the National Women's Law Center, to Olympian Marion Jones. Marion, you are a great champion.

Tonight we thank you for inspiring and uniting our efforts to help women and families by honoring you with this award. Thank you.

###