On Friday January 23, 2009, the DCEF, in conjunction with the Douglas County School District, hosted the 4th Annual Douglas County Girls and Women in Sports Luncheon.  FirstBank and Waner Construction were the proud sponsors of the event held at Chaparral High School in Parker.  Approximately four hundred guests attended the luncheon that honored more than a hundred female student-athletes from throughout Douglas County. 

Outstanding student-athletes from both middle and high school that have had a positive influence on others, while excelling in sports participation, were eligible for this special recognition.  The girls were nominated by administrators and coaches from their local schools for accomplishments both on and off the field.  Additionally, many DCSD Alumni were welcomed back and honored for their past accomplishments while in the school district.  The 2009 honorees are listed below:

The emcee of the luncheon was Marcia Neville, KDVR Fox 31 High School Sports Reporter.

Diane Van Deren, an Ultra-Distance Runner and Motivational Speaker, was the keynote speaker.  Diane has excelled as an elite athlete in a variety of disciplines throughout her career.  Collegiate competition allowed Diane to focus on tennis, earning an "All American" team designation for her singles play. Diane started ultra distance events in 2002 and won the 2008 Yukon Artic Ultra, considered by many as the world's toughest footrace.  The winter race spanned 300 miles of the Yukon Territory.  Of the 31 participants, 24 were unable to complete the competition due to the extreme conditions. Diane has demonstrated her philosophy of life to give back to her community through her active involvement with a variety of groups, including the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado, Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute at Children's Hospital and Craig Hospital.  She currently resides in Sedalia, Colorado with her husband and three children. 

 Diane Van Deren

The purpose of this day is to acknowledge past and current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing work for equality and access for women in sports.  In addition, because current statistics show that participation numbers for girls decrease as they get older, these events will help provide motivation, encouragement and leadership for girls' involvement in sports.

The National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to honor female athletic achievement and recognize the importance of sports and fitness participation for all girls and women.  The 23rd Annual NGWSD will be celebrated in all 50 states on February 4th, 2009, with community-based events, award ceremonies and activities.

To read about the 2008 Douglas County Girls and Women in Sports Luncheon please click here...