National Girls and Women in Sports Day in the United States

National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of February. This special day recognizes the accomplishments of female athletes, acknowledges the influence of sports participation for women and girls, and honors the progress and continuing struggle for equality in sports.

History

NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to ensure equality for women's sports. Hyman died of Marfan syndrome in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. Since then, NGWSD has evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of athletics, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.

Traditions

On NGWSD, local organizations, schools, community groups, and sports teams host events to celebrate female athletes and promote physical activities among girls and women. Activities typically include:

• Sports clinics: These provide opportunities for girls to try new sports under the guidance of experienced athletes.
• Awards ceremonies: Local teams or organizations honor female athletes who have excelled in their respective fields or made significant contributions.
• Educational panels: Discussions on topics like leadership, health, wellness, and gender equality are common.
• Advocacy efforts: Groups may engage with policymakers or launch awareness campaigns that highlight equity issues.

What People Do

On this day:

• Athletes, coaches, parents, and fans usually take part in local events or organize their own activities.
• Advocates often use social media to raise awareness about female achievements in sports using hashtags like #NGWSD.
• Many also take this opportunity to push for policy changes regarding Title IX legislation or other equity issues within athletics.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day is not just about celebrating achievements but also about inspiring girls and young women to play sports at all levels while promoting equal opportunities across athletic programs.