Wittenberg Hosts National Girls And Women In Sports Day Feb. 4

Springfield, Ohio — Building upon an inspiring national theme of "Title IX at 40: In it for the Long Run," Wittenberg University's Department of Athletics will host its annual celebration of National Girls And Women In Sports Day (NGWSD) at noon Saturday, Feb. 4, in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Center Gymnasium.

Coaches and student-athletes representing each of Wittenberg's 12 varsity women's teams will be assembled in the Gymnasium for approximately two hours, conducting demonstrations of their sports, publicizing upcoming season schedules, youth camps and clinics, and interacting with participants. Girls of any age interested in athletics are invited to participate in the event, which is free of charge, and they will have the opportunity to get autographs from Wittenberg coaches and student-athletes.

Wittenberg's NGWSD celebration is scheduled to conclude at approximately 2 p.m., but participants are encouraged to cross Legends Lobby to attend Wittenberg's women's basketball game against Allegheny at 3 p.m. in Pam Evans Smith Arena. All NGWSD participants will receive free admission into the game.

The entire event is part of Wittenberg's Tiger GAME Plan, which engages student-athletes with the Springfield community through service activities.

NGWSD began in 1987 to honor former Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. Since its inception, NGWSD has evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.

Wittenberg has long been at the forefront of collegiate women's athletics, and the 2011-12 school year has already featured a breakthrough as the Tiger volleyball team captured the university's first-ever women's national championship in November. It was the culmination of nearly 100 years of leadership in women's athletics, and it came 40 years after Title IX changed the American sports landscape forever by guaranteeing equal opportunities for women.

"This year is special since we are celebrating important milestones in women's athletics at Wittenberg and in the United States," said Assistant Director of Athletics for the Tiger GAME Plan Ali Teopas. "Our student-athletes are excited to pass on their mentorship to local girls and educate them on their experience that has been made possible by Title IX."

Written By: Ryan Maurer

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