Waterville, Maine - Today, February 3^rd, 2021 marks the 35^th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). This day, established by the Women's Sport's Foundation, celebrates the achievements of female athletes, acknowledges the influence of participation in sports for women and girls, and recognizes the continual advancement towards equal opportunity for women in sports. NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with events, award ceremonies, and other activities. The theme of this year's event is "Lead Her Forward." Colby College is proud to be one of the many institutions across the nation commemorating this important day.
 
The Women's Sports Foundation was founded in 1974 by former tennis star Billie Jean King in order to advance the lives of girls and women through physical activity. The foundation's mission is to both encourage and enable girls and women to reach their full potential in sports and life. The foundation educates, fundraises, researches, and advocates for numerous communities across the nation.
 
In previous years, the Colby Athletic Department has held on-campus events throughout the month of February to commemorate this day. In 2020, the Mules put on a free sports fair with hands-on stations, interactive booths, activities centered around the theme of health, fitness and athletics led by various Colby teams, both demonstrating and teaching attendees about their respective sports. Following the fair, the Women's Ice Hockey and Men's Basketball teams competed in front of large crowds in honor of the Women's Sports Foundation.  
 
Carly Levitz, a junior on the Colby Tennis Team noted, "Participating in National Girls & Women in Sports Day means supporting and motivating young female athletes to push themselves and to never set limitations."
 
Associate Athletic Director for Community Engagement Candice Parent has seen the development of the celebration transform over the years, but the mission remains strong.  "In 1999, I fell in love with our inaugural National Girls & Women in Sports Day event," said Parent.  "I was so passionate about inspiring our Colby athletes to get involved in coaching and giving back to their respective sports.  More importantly though, I saw how their interactions and involvement with young athletes had a huge impact.  Through sports and activities, these girls were learning that being aggressive, strong-willed and independent are all positive things."
 
This year, the Women's Sports Foundation will host virtual events aimed to engage girls across the country. This evening from 4:00-5:30pm EST, the WSF will stream its first ever free online NGWSD Girl's Fest. This event will be hosted by WSF president-elect Phaidra Knight, youth journalist Pepper Persley, and basketball analyst LaChina Robinson. Girls Fest will feature "intimate interviews with collegiate athletes and champion athletes; an inside look from Olympic and Paralympic athletes training for Tokyo; a conversation by girls for girls on sports advocacy and how this generation will lead; and the kickoff to a new, star-studded fitness challenge."
 
To tune into this event, head over to the WSF Youtube Channel this evening at 4:00pm EST.
 
Colby will be supporting the WSF and its efforts with our own virtual campaign.  You can follow the engagement on the Colby Athletics website that will host profile stories of Colby athletes, inspiring quotes from players and coaches, and mirror its releases through social media channels.   

Written by Amelia Lubrano '21