National Women and Girls in Sports Day is a special day to celebrate the hard work and success of female athletes. It happens every year on the first Wednesday in February. This day helps inspire girls and women to get involved in sports and stay active. It also reminds people how much progress has been made for gender equality in sports, but shows that there is still work to do.
“I know that Women’s Sports Day is really important to all girls that play sports because it’s normally all boys sports that are being talked about, but this is a day where women are in the spotlight,” Alexa Palko said.
Palko is a fifth-grader at Patrick M. Villano School who plays softball and soccer. She also wrestles and dances.
¨This day means a lot to me because I play sports, too, and it is good to be acknowledged for what I do best,” Palko said. “I think that this day is great for all girls to be recognized for what they are doing physically.”
This day started in 1987 thanks to the Women’s Sports Foundation. Now, it’s celebrated all across the country. It highlights the important contributions of athletes like Flo Hyman, a volleyball player who worked hard for equal opportunities for women in sports. Franklin Tiburcio, the physical education teacher at Patrick M. Villano School, said he encourages his students to respect the achievements of female athletes.
“As a father of a young girl and a physical education teacher, National Women and Girls in Sports Day holds special significance for me. It reminds me of the importance of creating opportunities and promoting equality for my daughter and female students to participate in sports,” Tiburcio said.
As a teacher, Tiburcio said he strives to inspire and empower female students to reach their full potential, while also educating male students about the rich history and achievements of female athletes.
“By sharing this knowledge, I hope to promote a culture of respect, inclusivity, and equality in my classroom and beyond.”
For Tiburcio, he says the day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done to ensure girls and women have equal opportunities in sports.
“By celebrating this day, I aim to make a positive impact on my students and help shape a brighter future for generations to come,¨ Tiburcio added.
Colleen Malzhan, the health and wellness teacher at Patrick M. Villano School, honors the day, as well.
“In Emerson, the high school girls basketball team that I coach has been hosting a game to celebrate this holiday for the past ten years. We invite all of the young female athletes in town to attend our game. We have had clinics, pizza parties, and more,” Malzhan said.
The NJSIAA also honors one high school senior athlete per year from each school in New Jersey. Emerson’s award winner this year was Alyssa Gabriele. Alyssa received her award at half court of a Rutgers Women’s Basketball game earlier this year.
“As a former athlete, sports have played such a huge role in my life and created so many opportunities. Without sports I would not be the person I am today. As a teacher and coach, I love talking to my students and athletes about the history of the struggle for equality women have faced in sports, the growth that has been made over the last few decades, and the work that still needs to be done. As a mother, this day makes me excited for the future opportunities my children will have in sports,” Malzhan said.
