[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

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                          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.

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