WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama is marking the 40th anniversary of the landmark anti-gender discrimination law known as Title IX, saying it's proved to be a "springboard for success."

The federal law is best known for promoting high school and college sports programs for women. But Obama writes in Newsweek magazine that the law has led to advances across the educational spectrum, including fields such as engineering and technology.

He says women who went to school under Title IX now "pioneer scientific breakthroughs, run thriving businesses, govern states, and, yes, coach varsity teams."

Obama also makes clear that he derives special pleasure from sports.

He notes his role as a sometime-coach of daughter Sasha's basketball team and says it's "one of those times when I just get to be 'Dad.'"