[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 95 (Friday, June 8, 2018)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E813] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION OF THE LADIES PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION'S INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP ______ HON. DEBBIE DINGELL- of michigan in the house of representatives Friday, June 8, 2018 Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) for years of devoted and distinguished leadership as they are recognized by ATHENA International. The organization's devotion to the professional and athletic development of women is deserving of acclaim. ATHENA International was founded in 1982 by Lansing businesswoman Martha Mertz to honor the contributions of those who help women to succeed. Ms. Mertz has long held the belief that it takes a village to help women in our communities thrive and has seen her small nonprofit grow exponentially over the years. Today, ATHENA International is a global organization that mentors and trains women in more than 500 cities and 8 countries around the world. The ATHENA Leaders of Huron Valley help develop and support women through various programming initiatives including entrepreneurial classes and one-on-one mentoring. The great work of Michigan's female leaders is honored at the ATHENA Awards each year. This year's winners include the Ladies Professional Golf Association, an organization dedicated to promoting women in sport. Founded in 1950 by a group of female golfers dedicated to integrating women into the sport, the LPGA is the oldest women's professional sports organization in the country. The association's 13 founders are revered as trailblazers for standing up for equality in a time where women's sports organizations were not in existence. In the 78 years since LPGA was established, the tenacity and courage of the organization's founders has translated into today's leadership and programming. In addition to its publicized competitive tours, the LPGA supports golf teachers and develops young players through its qualifying school. The association is known for its dedication to the players of tomorrow and gives young golfers playing privileges on the LPGA tour. Their years of work have both equipped and inspired countless women to follow their dreams and reach their full potential as golfers and community leaders. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Ladies Professional Golf Association for their dedication to cultivating the athletes of tomorrow. We are grateful for their years of service. ____________________