For a record-setting nine years, national and international gold medalist Wendy Hilliard had represented the United States in rhythmic gymnastics.
Yet when Hilliard went looking for financial support during her final year of competition in 1988, she found no interest. That's when Hilliard got her introduction to the Women's Sports Foundation.
The foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the sports and fitness experience for girls and women, bestowed its travel and training grant upon Hilliard.
Last month, Hilliard was elected president of the Women's Sports Foundation.
"The Women's Sports Foundation embraced me when I was truly in need," said Hilliard, who became a U.S. national team coach and a TV analyst. "The one requirement for their support was to give back to help the next generation of female athletes achieve their goals."
Hilliard will be in Washington today to do exactly that. The Women's Sports Foundation is responsible for staging today's celebration of National Girls and Women's Sports Day.
Hilliard, the first African-American president in the organization's 20-year history, said her agenda includes stressing the relationship between sports and fitness activities and long-term health benefits for women.