National Girls & Women In Sports Day

Every year, on the first Wednesday of February, it is the annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). Even though it is not a well-known holiday, it is still very important to celebrate.

This year, NGWSD is celebrated on February 4th. This significant holiday honors the accomplishments of female athletes across all sports, shows the possibilities that young girls have when playing sports, and supports equality in professional sports for both men and women. This day was created in 1987 to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman, who died in 1986 from Marfan syndrome. She was an important advocate for women’s professional and collegiate sports, and a big reason that girls can participate in sports to this day. She was also a major part of Congress passing Title IX, which states that women and girls are allowed to participate in academic and athletic programs.  

We acknowledge this day because it is a major accomplishment for the US, promoting justice for women in sports and ensuring they are part of it. To celebrate, you can attend or watch collegiate games, start community clinics, volunteer at a youth center specializing in physical activity, share stories about female trailblazers on social media, and go to Women’s Sports Foundation Events https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/get-involved/ngwsd/. 

The 2026 goal for women in sports is to advocate for policy changes to close the gap in athletic opportunities for girls. McAuliffe hopes you have a great time celebrating this important holiday!