“GIRLS IN SPORTS, AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE”
IS THEME OF
NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY
On February 6, 2013, thousands of sports educators, coaches, athletic directors, recreation directors, association members, sponsors, students, and parents across the country will show their support of the National Girls and Women in Sports Day and of this year’s theme, “Girls in Sports, An Investment in the Future.” 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.
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’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.
NGWSD is jointly organized by the National Girls and Women in Sport Coalition. The Coalition combines the experience and resources of four premiere girls- and women-serving organizations in the United States: Girls Incorporated, the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, National Women’s Law Center, and the Women’s Sports Foundation. Collectively, these organizations have been in existence for over 432 years and have a membership reach of 5.5 million girls and women.
To assist each South Dakota high school in their celebration of the day, the South Dakota High School Activities Association sent certificates of athletic achievement to each school. These certificates are to be presented to outstanding female athletes in the school. As the certificate indicates, these individuals exemplify the qualities of excellence in sports skills, leadership, self-discipline and perseverance. The method of selecting these individuals is up to each school, as well as the time of presentation.
Supporting NGWSD will go a long way to increase the visibility of female athletes.