STANDISH, ME – Saint Joseph’s College hosted an event in conjunction with National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) at the Harold Alfond Center on Saturday, February 5th. The event was a rousing success as 43 girls, grades K-5, attended the three-hour clinic, which was free to the public.
St. Joe’s athletes from the soccer, softball, basketball, cheerleading, lacrosse, volleyball, cross country and field hockey programs instructed attendees on the techniques of their respective sports. The young girls traveled from station to station to learn various skills and techniques related to sport and enjoyed a healthy snack break and Monks gear giveaways.
NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies, and activities honoring the achievements and encouraging participation of girls and women in sports. Saint Joseph’s has hosted a NGWSD event in each of the last four years.
NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women's sports. Hyman died of Marfan's Syndrome in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. Since that time, NGWSD has evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
Congress has proclaimed this national day each year since 1987, as it recognizes the progress of girls and women in sports and the benefits that sports and fitness activities can bring to the lives of all girls and women. The Day is organized nationally by the Girl Scouts of the USA, Girls Incorporated, National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, the National Women's Law Center and the Women's Sports Foundation.