Celebrate National Girls and Women In Sports Day...And Play Like A Girl!

Growing up, I was lucky enough to have two athletic older brothers who, when they needed one more kid to field a neighborhood kickball or soccer team, would draft me to play. I was expected to hold my own, meaning I had to “play like a boy”. I played my heart out. When I reached junior high, I couldn’t wait to sign up for soccer, only there wasn’t such a thing for girls, outside of gym class.  It was the 1960s, before Title IX and well before the founding of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. So, I turned instead to individual sports - horseback riding and diving - to satisfy my athletic inclinations.

Today, girls and women who want to engage in sports can do pretty much whatever they want to do.  That’s something to celebrate, and we’ll be doing exactly that on Wednesday, February 7th.  Founded in 1987, National Girls and Women in Sports Day was created to eradicate gender stereotypes that used to be (and to a lesser extent still are) endemic in the sports industry. NGWSD is all about breaking those stereotypes, inspiring girls and women to be physically active, and honoring the achievements of female coaches and athletes.

Here's what National Today says about the importance of NGWSD*:  

  • It breaks gender stereotypes.

At least 75% of girls have heard derogatory remarks about girls in sports. National Girls and Women in Sports Day emphasizes the narrative that women belong – and deserve to be - in all sports.

  • It inspires girls and women to be active.

The celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day helps convey the importance of being physically active and encourages girls and women to realize their full potential.

  • It honors the achievements of female athletes.

While discussing the history of women's achievements, the role of sports in women’s social emancipation is usually ignored. National Girls and Women in Sports Day demonstrates appreciation for the achievements of female coaches and athletes and acknowledges the role of sports in helping unlock the boundless potential of women.

Celebrate with us!  Go for a run, play pickleball, do yoga, or walk the dog.  Whatever you love to do, go out and go the distance with confidence. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you covered!

 

*https://nationaltoday.com/national-girls-and-women-sports-day/

 

Kim Pierpoint