Teaching commitment, teamwork, leadership, cooperation, strength, endurance and many other important qualities, girls and women who participate in sports will attest to the fact that it’s healthy and beneficial in a myriad of ways.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day is here to raise awareness for and act as a reminder about the positive aspects of sports and the continued need to promote gender equality in every way.
History of National Girls and Women in Sports Day
The first National Women in Sports Day was established in 1987 when United States President Ronald Reagan declared the day to be set aside to acknowledge the important part that women play in sports. The original day was set aside particularly to honor the participation of Flo Hyman, a volleyball player who worked hard to advocate for the equality of women in sports. Hyman died suddenly of a genetic disorder while participating in a volleyball tournament in Japan.
Since its origins, National Girls and Women in Sports Day has evolved to recognize all female athletes, whether professional, amateur or simply aspiring. In addition, the day is meant to celebrate the progress that was made when Title IX was passed in 1972, providing equal access to sports for girls in the United States.
Starting out with only women, the name was eventually changed to also include girls, and there are several organizations that make up the coalition behind the day. These include the Women’s Sports Foundation, Girls Inc., The National Women’s Law Center, as well as the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
Recognized by schools, colleges, universities and other organizations that promote sports for girls and women, National Girls and Women in Sports Day honors the influence that sports and athletics have on the lives of women. This includes living a healthy and active lifestyle, building self confidence, helping learn how to work on a team and offering opportunities to develop leadership skills.
Sports have a huge positive impact on the lives of women! And National Girls and Women in Sports Day is here to raise awareness for and celebrate this fact while recognizing the women’s struggle for equality, in athletics as well as so many other arenas.