Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day
National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) began in 1987 as a special day to recognize women’s sports. Across the country, hundreds of NGWSD events organized by community programs, schools, and professional teams take place each year. These events celebrate the achievements of girls and women in sports, as well as advocate for equal access and opportunity.
Compete in the Challenge!
To celebrate the day, the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) is launching its first-ever NGWSD Virtual 5K & 50 Mile Challenge. Furthermore, the challenge is one of several virtual events WSF is hosting on and around NGWSD. The national day is an observance fueled by the foundation to push for equal opportunities in sport for girls and women.
“We reach a major milestone this year: WSF has invested over $100 million since our founding to expand access and opportunities for girls and women in sports. We are optimistic about the future yet our fight for equality must continue. What better way to launch this milestone year, than with our annual celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day – and to launch our first NGWSD 5K & 50 Mile Challenge, with our presenting sponsor DICK’S Sporting Goods. I hope everyone will join in!” said Deborah Antoine, WSF CEO.
WSF created the NGWSD Virtual 5K & 50 Mile Challenge to provide an interactive way for communities to celebrate across the country. Whatever sport or physical activity people choose to take on the challenge (running, walking, rolling, rowing, swimming, cycling, etc.), everyone can participate as an individual or as part of a corporate or school challenge. The 5K runs through the month of February, while the 50 Mile Challenge extends up until June 23.
Grants to Encourage Women in Sport
GrantWatch.com has a dedicated category for Sports & Recreation. It also has a category specifically for grants for women. Subsequently, you can also browse through the listings to discover the latest grants available to nonprofits, for-profit businesses, and individuals. Below, we’ve listed three of our favorite grants currently accepting applications.
1) Softball grants are available to nonprofit organizations to encourage girls under 20 to play the sport.
2) A grant of $150 is available to families to increase access to youth sports programs.
3) Youth athletic organizations can apply for funding to enhance experiences for girls in sport.
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