The first week of February is the time when girls and women in sports are honored. This year, on Feb. 5, National Girls and Women in Sports Day was acknowledged. The day recognizes the accomplishments of female athletes, the influence of sports participation for women and girls, women involved in working in sports and the entire evolution and advocating for equality for women in sports.
Each year since 1987, the United States Congress has recognized women’s contributions to sports and society on a day in the first week of February. NGWSD is celebrated across the country featuring many community-based events, statements from notable women athletes and other activities.
Around Storrs, the UConn Huskies are closely connected to NGWSD. The university has a prominent and long-standing success in women’s sports, specifically women’s basketball. The UConn women’s basketball team has been a powerhouse in all of college athletics for years. Across the board, they have 11 NCAA National championships, countless All-American players and a reputation of excellence both on and off the court. They continue to bring in high-end caliber players that have kept the program at the top of college women’s basketball for decades. The success of the UConn women’s basketball team has played a significant role in raising the profile of women’s sports. From their championship legacy, prominent coaches, empowering athletes, the chance of equal opportunities, women in sports are promoted all over the UConn Huskies. Whether it’s a young female athlete or a mega superfan, the Huskies hold a high influence on many women involved in the sports world.
Women celebrate NGWSD in a variety of ways. Celebrations occur both individually and as a part of broader events where women get the opportunity to meet other women with shared passions. This day is a chance to recognize and honor the achievements of women in sports while also emphasizing the continued progress in equal opportunities for women in sports.
One event that occurs on NGWSD is a networking event hosted by Major League Baseball in New York City. For the past three years on NGWSD, the MLB has hosted a networking event. The league invites about 70 participants from all over to learn about current employees that work within the MLB.
Women gain a lot from NGWSD, both individually and communally. It is a day that celebrates the achievements of female athletes and women working in sports. It empowers them to provide opportunities and step back to look at the success of women’s sports. In essence, it is all about creating a more inclusive, supporting and equal sports landscape for women. Women belong in sports and celebrating the opportunities and all the wins that women have created for themselves in the industry is what NGWSD is all about.