National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is celebrated annually on February 5th. In 2025, it marks its 39th year of promoting gender equity and empowering girls and women through sports.
The first National Women in Sports Day was established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan. It honored pioneering female athletes like Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. Over time, the event included girls to promote early engagement with sports for building confidence and leadership skills.
NGWSD emphasizes empowerment through sports participation. It helps develop essential life skills like teamwork, resilience, and self-discipline. Community events are held nationwide to promote physical activity and networking among peers.
Schools and organizations host numerous grassroots events across the U.S., reaching approximately 200,000 participants annually. These events include youth clinics at universities like Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium for children grades K-8.
Oregon hosts camps where varsity teams lead activities before major games. Participants often receive gifts courtesy of sponsors like Toyota. Initiatives such as Operation Warm’s FLY:FWD provide essential athletic gear to empower young athletes who face barriers due to lack of equipment.
By celebrating NGWSD each year, communities reinforce their commitment to inclusivity while nurturing future leaders through active participation in sports. This tradition inspires generations of strong-minded individuals ready to make their mark both on and off the field.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day serves as a powerful reminder that every girl deserves access to play but also thrive through her involvement with athletics and that together we can build stronger communities one game at a time!
