During the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, headlines around the world called attention to the amazing feats of the women athletes—as if women had taken over the Games. The intensity, sacrifice, hard work, skill, grace, and sheer elegance of women competitors from all continents, became apparent.

     With that foothold on public interest, former Olympic swimmer, Donna de Varona, was able in 1999 to present the USA women's soccer team in a match against the Chinese that filled the Rose Bowl with 90,000 spectators and captivated a world wide TV audience.

     In Sydney, Australia, this year the presence of women is even stronger. The organizers decided to celebrate the participation of women in the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic Torch which was carried by six great former athletes—one great champion now in a wheelchair— concluding with Kathy Freeman, a shy Australian aborigine who runs the 400 meters and who gives hope to women all over the world of what they can do if they follow their dreams.

     It was not always so acceptable to be a woman athlete. Join us as Pat Connolly, a three time Olympian, briefly talks aboutwomen in Olympic sports and show an ABC -TV SPORTS film—A PASSION TO PLAY: MOTHERS OF STRENGTH & SPIRIT.