For 39 years, National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) has been a powerful force for celebrating female athletes and championing equality in sports. On February 5, the movement comes alive once again with exciting events nationwide and here in LA!

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If you haven’t heard of this special movement, the first NGWSD was created by the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1987 as a way to honor the achievements of women and girls in sports, as the foundation says, “...by acknowledging the power of sports to unlock her limitless potential.”

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The organization itself was established in 1974 with the goal of advancing the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity by offering financial aid to athletes, research funding, education, and advocacy. 

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NGWSD continues to further that mission, but the yearly occasion has taken on a larger meaning.

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Why is National Girls & Women in Sports Day Important?

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The annual day is about encouraging and supporting girls and women in athletics by honoring their achievements and goals. It’s a day for celebrating how participation in sports helps youth and adults alike discover their fullest potential. Athletics aren’t just about physical endurance, competition, and discipline; they build character, grit, and leadership skills, enhancing all areas of life.

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The first NGWSD brought together elite athletes and top organizations and brands to bring attention to womens’ athletics, and also served as a memorial to the late Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman. Hyman passed away the year before due to Marfan’s Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue causing ongoing concerns for organs, bones, and tissue. But during her time as a high-achieving athlete, she became well-known for her proud dedication to equality in sports—a topic that has made strides in the decades since, but still has a long way to go today.

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How to Celebrate National Girls & Women In Sports Day:

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Over the years, NGWSD has grown from a memorial to a movement; an event celebrated around the country as a way to acknowledge the accomplishments of girls and women in sports. Each year, communities, schools, and nonprofit organizations host hundreds of grassroots events with an estimated reach of 200,000 girls and women. 

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Here at LuskinOIC, we’ll be honoring a few inspiring women, including our own Dr. Emily Miller, a family physician specializing in sports medicine, who is also a Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA. Among her many dedicated practices, she is also Team Physician for UCLA Athletics, working with women's soccer, women's softball, and football.  

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Taylor Tinsley is another noteworthy young woman in sports. She’s a dynamic young athlete who exemplifies the power of perseverance and passion. Hailing from Lawrenceville, Georgia, Taylor’s journey to becoming a collegiate softball player at UCLA is an inspiring story of determination and resilience. At 21 years old, she continues to thrive both on and off the field, driven by a deep love for the game and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.

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We’d also like to highlight the Angel City Sports Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team, an impressive division of the well-known adaptive sports organization here in LA, and the first competitive wheelchair basketball team in California! With the 2028 Paralympics to take place in Los Angeles, the exciting sport is only becoming more popular around the region. 

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NGWSD events are hosted nationwide and that includes here in the Greater LA region. 

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Where to Celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day in LA:

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Although the official NGWSD takes place on February 5, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks—Harbor District will host an event on February 8 at the Harbor City Recreation Center. The event will begin with a pep rally, followed by inspiring guest speaker Nichol Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. During the event, guests can attend sports clinics, learn more about resources at vendor booths, enjoy a skateboarding exhibit, browse sports-themed art, and enjoy lunch. The goal of the event is to empower and inspire girls to strive for excellence.

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How to Support Youth Athletes:

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Recent studies show that girls are participating in sports at a higher number than ever, and that number is growing. How can we ensure that all youth athletes have the opportunity to grow well and play well through sports?

Here at LuskinOIC, our state-of-the-art orthopaedic facilities, highly skilled team of experts, and dedicated staff and volunteer base allow us to offer exceptional care to all children and adolescents. Thanks to our valued supporters and donors, we’re able to do so despite a family’s financial ability. Learn more here about how you can support this mission.