Shamey Cramer comments on the opening day of the IOC Women and Sport conference

Shamey Cramer's comments on the opening of the IOC Women and Sport conference:

Among the attendees was Alicia McConnell, US Olympic Committee's Director Athlete Services. Her previous Gay Games connection was as serving on the International Advisory Board for the Los Angeles 2006, Inc. Bid Committee for Gay Games VII. We've known each other ten years from serving on the Gay/Lesbian Athletic Foundation Advisory Board. She is the senior-most 'out' employee at the USOC.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday honoured five women and one organisation for their outstanding contributions to the development of women’s participation in sport and sports administration during a ceremony for the 2012 IOC Women and Sport Awards in Los Angeles.

A Roundatable discussion followed. Moderated by Michelle Kwan, panelists included Billie Jean King, Julie Foudy (USA Soccer) and award-winner Manisha Malhotra.

I noted this statement from Gay Games Ambassador Billie Jean King: "The men who are in power are the ones who will make a difference. After all, we're in this together. We -- men and women -- must be a team in the effort for gender equality".

King, Faudy, Malhotra, Kwan (photo Shamey Cramer)

Without a doubt, Billie Jean was the most revered and respected woman on that stage tonight - you literally could feel the respect all these amazing women - athletic superstars and administrators - give to her, even when she is simply sitting on a stage with other amazing athletes.

Read all our coverage of this conference HERE.