Girls and Women in Sports Day
National Girls and Women in Sports Day Takes Place During The First Week of February
The first Wednesday of every February celebrates the participation and accomplishments of girls and women in sports across the United States.
Established in 1987 as a day of observance and remembrance for Flo Hyman, a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic volleyball team, National Girls and Women in Sports Day highlights the importance of sports as a positive influence in young girls’ and women’s lives, sharing stories of female athletes on their website as powerful and pivotal examples. The observance also illuminates the fight for equality in women’s sports, a topic that is especially prevalent now as sports organizations across the U.S. engage in a publicized discussion regarding equal pay for female athletes.
How to Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day
In recognition of women and girls of all ages supporting equal opportunity in sports, the titular organization holds events across the country every year. The organization also encourages communities to hold their own events in celebration by conducting raffles every year. (To register your own local event and enter the raffle for this year, visit their website here.)
What an easy and rewarding holiday to celebrate! People of all ages and identities can participate by simply encouraging girls and women in their own family to become engaged in sports. And if you already have a powerful female athlete in your life, show that you support her amazing accomplishments and abilities, especially on February 6th this year. Buy tickets to games played by your local female teams, whether it be college, semi-professional, or professional level sports (these are great games to attend with your family year-round, not just on this day of observance!)
Most importantly, spread the word of the significance of this day. Post a picture of your favorite women’s sports team to your Instagram, accompanying it with the hashtag #NationalGirlsAndWomenInSportsDay. Maybe even include a quick sentence or two about what their representation means to you and the females in your life.
Whether you choose to post about the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team (FIFA 2019 Women’s World Cup Champions), Simone Biles (most decorated gymnast in World’s history), Serena Williams (Forbes’ Top Paid Female Athlete 2019), or a female athlete you know personally, your post will inspire others to share their own way of observing such an important holiday for equal opportunity in sports.
