National Girls and Women in Sports Day

National Girls and Women in Sports Day is observed on the first Wednesday of February. In 2026, it falls on February 4. This day celebrates the confidence, strength, and character gained through sports participation and honors the achievements of female athletes across the United States. It serves as a national platform to advocate for gender equity in athletics and to ensure that girls have the same access to sports programs as their male peers. By highlighting the positive impact of physical activity, the observance encourages lifelong participation in sports for women of all ages and skill levels.

History of National Girls and Women in Sports Day

The day was established in 1987 by the Women’s Sports Foundation to honor the legacy of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. Hyman was a pioneer for equality in women’s sports and died suddenly of Marfan Syndrome in 1986 while competing in Japan. President Ronald Reagan signed the first official proclamation on February 3, 1987, designating the following day as National Women in Sports Day. Originally a one-time event in Washington, D.C., the high level of interest from athletes and educational institutions quickly transformed it into an annual nationwide celebration.

Since its inception, the focus of the day has expanded to acknowledge the significant progress made under Title IX, the landmark civil rights law passed in 1972. While the day began as a memorial, it has evolved into an advocacy movement led by a coalition including the National Women’s Law Center and Girls, Inc. Over the decades, participation rates for girls in high school and collegiate sports have skyrocketed, moving from one in 27 girls in 1971 to nearly two in five today. The day continues to address modern challenges, such as the pay gap in professional leagues and the lack of diverse media representation for female athletes.

Why is National Girls and Women in Sports Day important?

This day is important because it highlights the direct correlation between youth sports participation and future leadership success. Research indicates that a vast majority of female executives and C-suite leaders played competitive sports in their youth, crediting athletics with teaching them resilience, teamwork, and strategic thinking. By encouraging girls to stay active, the day helps build a pipeline of capable leaders for the business and political worlds. It also addresses the “drop-off” rate, as girls often leave sports at six times the rate of boys during adolescence due to a lack of social support or facilities.

The observance also serves as a vital reminder of the health and psychological benefits unique to female athletes. Girls who participate in sports report higher levels of self-esteem and significantly lower rates of depression and anxiety. Physical activity in a team environment fosters a sense of belonging and helps develop a healthy body image by focusing on what the body can achieve rather than just how it looks. On a systemic level, the day holds schools and organizations accountable for maintaining the standards set by Title IX, ensuring that the next generation of athletes enters an equitable playing field.

• It celebrates the achievements of female athletes, coaches, and administrators.
• The day advocates for equal funding and facilities for women’s sports programs.
• It highlights the role of sports in developing leadership skills for young girls.
• Awareness helps combat the social stereotypes that discourage female participation.
• It honors the legacy of pioneers who fought for gender equality in athletics.

How to Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day

To celebrate this day, you can attend a local women’s sporting event or a youth clinic designed to introduce girls to new activities. Many universities and community centers host “Meet the Team” events on the first Wednesday of February, where young athletes can interact with collegiate players and coaches. If you are an athlete or a former player, sharing your personal sports journey on social media using the official hashtag can inspire others to start their own. You can also organize a movie night featuring documentaries or films that celebrate the history of women in sports, such as “A League of Their Own.”

On a community level, you can observe the day by supporting local female-led sports organizations or donating equipment to underfunded girls’ programs. Contacting school administrators to ask about their Title IX compliance and how they support their female teams is a proactive way to ensure long-term change. Parents can celebrate by signing their daughters up for a new sport or simply spending time playing catch, running, or swimming together. Highlighting the stories of female sports trailblazers in your home or classroom helps normalize the idea that women belong in every arena, from the local park to the Olympic Games.

• Attend a high school or college women’s basketball game or swim meet.
• Volunteer as a coach or mentor for a local girls’ youth sports team.
• Share a photo or story of your favorite female athlete to inspire others.
• Host a sports clinic to help young girls learn the basics of a new game.
• Review your local school’s athletic programs to ensure gender equity.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day Dates Table