Nancy Hogshead-Makar, Angela Hucles lead Coalition to Hill to Advocate Womens Sports
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In celebration of the 28th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), organizations and leaders from the National Girls & Women in Sports Day Coalition will convene in the nation’s capital to recognize the advancement of girls’ and women’s sports and to discuss the commitment to expand sport and participation opportunities for future generations. “Passing the Torch, Blazing the Trail” is this year’s theme.
A panel of athletes and Title IX experts will discuss the significant achievements of pioneering women in sports that continue to inspire increased opportunities for girls and women to play sports and lead physically-active lives. Practical strategies to overcome hurdles that still prevent some girls’ and women’s access to and participation in sports will also be highlighted.
“Sport is crucial to girls and women for the psychological, physiological and sociological benefits that come from participating,” says Angela Hucles, two-time Olympic and World Cup medalist, soccer, and Women’s Sports Foundation Board of Trustees member. “Sports shaped me into the person I am today and I am enthusiastic about participating in the 28th National Girls & Women in Sports Day in order to pave the way for continued opportunities for girls and women to participate in sport.”
The statistics are alarming: one-third of our nation’s children are overweight or obese. Engaging young people in sports, fitness and healthful behaviors is critical to their development and long-term success as healthy and productive adults. Legislation that would help reverse this dangerous trend by recognizing physical and health education as “core” subjects will also be discussed.
Timed on the eve of the world’s most fascinating sports competition, occurring in Sochi, National Girls & Women in Sports Day honors and publicizes the achievements of girls and women in athletics nationwide. In addition to the NGWSD discussion on Capitol Hill, thousands of sports educators, coaches, athletic directors, recreation directors, association members, sponsors, students and parents will come together in events across the country to show their support of the 2014 NGWSD theme, “Passing the Torch, Blazing the Trail.” All are welcome to participate and follow the day on social media using #NGWSD.
About National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD)
NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman, for her athletic achievements and her promoting 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 become a day to acknowledge the past accomplishments of female athletes, recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
Since its inception, NGWSD has been celebrated annually in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies, and activities honoring the achievements of female athletes and encouraging participation of girls and women in sports. NGWSD is organized by the members of the National Girls & Women in Sports Day Coalition.
Women’s Sports Foundation Founder Billie Jean King and Past Women’s Sports Foundation Presidents Donna de Varona, Nancy Hogshead-Makar, Jessica Mendoza, Aimee Mullins and Dominique Dawes are among the champion women athletes that have contributed to the annual NGWSD activities alongside the Coalition organizations.
For more information, please visit: http://www.NGWSDCentral.com.
About the National Girls & Women in Sports Day Coalition
The National Girls & Women in Sports Day Coalition is comprised of four premiere girls and women serving organizations in the United States including Girls Inc., American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, National Women’s Law Center, and the Women’s Sports Foundation.
News By Donna 