SAN DIEGO – Assembly Member Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego), the American Heart Association and the San Diego Hall of Champions will present a celebration of women in sports on Friday, February 24, 2006 at Balboa Park’s Hall of Champions. The event, Striving and Thriving in Sports: Celebrating Female Athletes, will include the testimonial of athletes and coaches recounting their struggle for equality both on and off the field. This event coincides with the 2006 Winter Olympics.

WHO: Assembly Member Lori Saldaña - former field hockey coach and player

• Peggy Pico, KNSD Reporter
• Anne Cleveland: Open Water and Channel Swimmer.
• Kim Doren, Author and Video/TV/Film Producer: Author of “You Go Girl”
• Faith R. Triggs, Director of Programming: Pro Kids Golf Academy & Learning Center
• Anna Mikelson, U.S. Women’s Rowing Team
• San Diego City High School Basketball Player (TBA)
• Nicole Vargas, Sportswriter, San Diego Union Tribune

WHEN: Friday February 24, 2006 – 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

WHERE: The San Diego Hall of Champions – 1211 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park

WHY:  To encourage the health, sport and career goals of girls and women statewide.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: Assembly Member Saldaña and other panelists will be available before and after the event for interviews.

PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES

• The Sa n Diego Hall of Champions
• Female Athletes of all ages
• Athletes receiving awards from Assembly Member Saldaña