The History of National Girls and Women in Sports Day

By Kaylen Buschhorn

National Girls and Women in Sports Day started in 1987 as a way to remember Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman, for her athletic achievements and dedication to supporting and promoting equality for women sports. Hyman sadly passed away the year prior in 1986 from Marfan’s Syndrome. This day of celebration has continued in her honor and is now recognized across the country every February 3rd.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day also recognizes the progress made by the Title IX amendment passed in 1972 and connects premier organizations and elite female athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports.”

Flo Hyman #7 of the United States Olympics Women’s Volleyball Team poses for this portrait circa 1984. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

“It’s amazing that I can inspire little kids to know that you can be short or tall, and your body type doesn’t matter because you can do anything.” –Simone Biles

“Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back… play for her.” –Mia Hamm

“Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That’s what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice.” –Bethany Hamilton

“To have any doubt in your body is the biggest weakness an athlete can have.” –Shawn Johnson

Support girls and women athletics in your area by getting involved with local organizations and leagues.

Resources to help you celebrate and support girls and women in sports TODAY and EVERYDAY:

Women’s Sports Foundation: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org

National Girls and Women in Sports Day: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/get-involved/ngwsd/

Women in the Olympics: https://www.olympic.org/women-in-sport/background

Title IX and the Rise of Female Athletes in America: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/education/title-ix-and-the-rise-of-female-athletes-in-america/

WNBA’s Connecticut Sun Celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day with Virtual Panel: https://sun.wnba.com/news/connecticut-celebrates-national-girls-and-women-in-sports-day-with-virtual-panel/