Wittenberg Hosts National Girls And Women In Sports Day Jan. 19

Springfield, Ohio – Building upon an inspiring theme of “Girls in Sports, An Investment in the Future,” Wittenberg University’s Department of Athletics will host its annual celebration of National Girls And Women In Sports Day (NGWSD) at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 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 1 p.m., but participants are encouraged to cross Legends Lobby to attend Wittenberg’s women’s basketball game against Wooster at 2 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, most recently breaking through to capture the NCAA Division III volleyball national championship in 2011. 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.

“We invite all local girls to attend this event and see a glimpse of what it means to be a female student-athlete and to be part of a team,” said Lily Watson, class of 2013 from Bexley, Ohio. “This is an opportunity to connect Wittenberg students with the Springfield community by offering a free opportunity for local girls to learn new skills, further their athletics interests and see a college basketball game.

“These young girls are our future, and the current student-athletes would like to pass on their passion for the sports they love to a new generation.”

In addition to the NGWSD event, Wittenberg’s women’s student-athletes are conducting a year-long outreach program to encourage positive leadership, confidence and healthy activity in the spirit of the Women’s Sports Foundation’s “Go Girl Go” and “Keep Her in the Game” initiatives and the United States Government’s “Let’s Move” initiative. On the second Sunday of each month, a Wittenberg varsity team offers a free two-hour clinic and a 30-minute leadership program for kids ranging in age from kindergarten through eighth grade, covering such topics as teamwork, positive self-image, clear communication and time management.

To learn more about NGSWD and the monthly programs, contact Assistant Director of Athletics for External Affairs Ali Teopas at 937-327-6443 or via e-mail at ateopas@wittenberg.edu.

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