Central Islip, NY - Paralympian, model and Women's Sports Foundation Past President, Aimee Mullins will headline this year's East Coast Conference Senior Female Athlete Brunch to be held at the conference office on February 8, 2009.

"When we share our collective histories with each other, we can empower ourselves to make an even bigger impact on our world, both locally and globally," Mullins commented.  "As the East Coast Conference has always promoted the idea of the complete student-athlete package, realizing the connection between scholarship, sport, and community and civic responsibility, I am honored to come speak at the 2009 Senior Female Athlete Brunch."

Mullins represented the United States at the 1996 Paralympics Games, setting Paralympic records in the 100m, 200m and the long jump. She was named USA Track and Field's Disabled Athlete of the Year as well as the National Association of Women in Education's Woman of Distinction award in 1997.

Mullins was also listed in HBO's list of "Up and Comers" (actresses) to watch in 2004, was named one of Jane Magazine's 1999 "10 Gutsiest Women," and People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People in the World."  In 1998, she received a Special Achievement Award from the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation as well as a Tiffany and Co. Shining Star Award for raising social awareness of diversity issues.

A graduate of Georgetown University in the School of Foreign Service, with degrees in history and diplomacy, Mullins became the first athlete with a disability to compete against able-bodied athletes as part of an NCAA Division I track team. 

"We are pleased that the East Coast Conference once again has the opportunity to sponsor this special event which recognizes our senior female student-athletes and the commitment and contribution they have made to their schools," said ECC Commissioner Bob Dranoff.  "This year's theme focuses on athletes who have overcome difficult challenges in their lives in order to continue competing.  We are most grateful to the Women's Sports Foundation for their assistance in connecting us with Aimee Mulllin, truly an inspiring athlete and leader."

The Senior Female Athlete Brunch was established in 2001 by the Senior Woman Administrators Council in conjunction with National Girls and Women in Sports Day.  The annual event highlights the strides women have made in the sports arena as well as acknowledging the importance of women in sports.  Previous speakers include Dot Richardson, Judy Sweet and Ann Liguori.