The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) recently held a special ceremony to honor several Olympic champions.  The luncheon, hosted by WNBA President Laurel Richie, was held to praise great women who has excelled in an Olympic sport and received medals during the 2012 London Games. Receipients of the “Inspiration Award” were tennis star Venus Williams (who won her 4th Gold medal), volleyball star Danielle Scott-Arruda (who helped her team win Silver medal), water polo star Betsey Armstrong (Gold), judo star Kayla Harrison (Gold), rowing star Taylor Ritzel (Gold), and boxer Claressa Shields (who won Gold and during the sports first women could compete in the sport).

 

President Laurel Richie spoke eloquently about the strength of women athletes and being the role models of our younger generation.

 

“You have captured the nation through your passion, dedication and hard work, and I suspect quite the bit of sacrifice,” Richie said. “You are an inspiration to the next generation of young girls who we know were glued to their TV sets and their iPads and iPods and all other devices, and they watched you compete. … You have shown what women can be as athletes and what athletes can be as citizens.”

 

“We all believe in women’s sports, we believe in women athletes,” Williams said. “Young women need to know they can achieve, and sports makes life better. It helps women be more successful, more confident. I am so proud to be amongst all these wonderful athletes who are role models.”

 

In addition, the US Women’s Olympic basketball team were honored for bringing home their fifth striaght gold medal. Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), WNBA MVP, accepted her teammates awards on their behalf.  Teresa Edwards, five time Olympic medalist, received a special “Pioneer Award” for her sportsmanship on the court and in the community.

 

Kudos to all the women honored. You make us proud!

 

Source: AP