Take the Field for National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Today is National Girls and Women in Sports Day. This day is an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of female athletes and promote greater involvement for girls and women in sports. The National Association for Girls and Women in Sports is one of five Coalition members who plan the Washington, DC-based celebration on Capitol Hill and prepare the materials and products available for those interested in hosting local NGWSD events. 

When Title IX of the Educational Amendments to the Civil Rights Act was enacted in 1971, only 1 in 27 girls in high school participated in athletics. While this number has since risen to one in three, there is still much to be done. This year marks the 25th anniversary of NGWSD with the theme ‘Play, Believe, Achieve’. Check out what our network partners have up their sleeves this year:

Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)
The WNBA will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of NGWSD by hosting fitness clinics and workshops in markets across the country to help lead, inspire, and create positive change in the lives of women and young girls.
Read more.

Women’s Sports Foundation
Learn more about the history of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) Coalition, and support the foundation by purchasing NGWSD merchandise.
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Girl Scouts
Girls Scouts of the USA is one of the five organizations responsible for coordinating NGWSD. Read interviews with current Girl Scouts who are also athletes and learn about other Girl Scout initiatives aimed at providing girls with a balanced and healthy life.
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National Women’s Law Center (NWLC)
Learn more about NWLC’s work concerning girls’ education and Title IX, including their ‘Rally for Girls’ Sport: She’ll Win More Than a Game’ campaign which aims to address the discrimination in athletics that girls still face in high schools nationwide.
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Girls Inc.
Girls Inc. local branches are holding events around the country, including the Girls Inc. of Shelbyville/Shelby County’s day of sports and fitness activities to be held on February 12th, 2011. The organization is also working with government, advocating greater athletic opportunities for girls.
Read More about national events (including those hosted by Girls Inc.)
Read More about the advocacy work of Girls Inc.

American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Read AAUW’s ‘Go to Bat for Girls in Sports!: Pass the High School Athletics Accountability Act’ section on their website to support equality for girls and women in sports.
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