The Ivy League Celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day

PRINCETON, N.J. -- The Ivy League supports and celebrates today, February 1, 2012, as the 26th annual celebration of the National Girls and Women in Sports Day begins.

On this day, thousands of sports educators, coaches, athletic directors, recreation directors, association members, sponsors, students and parents across the country will show their support of the Day and of this year's theme, "Title IX at 40: In it for the Long Run."

NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women's sports. Hyman died of Marfan's Syndrome in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. Since that time, 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.

NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies and activities honoring the achievements and encouraging participation of girls and women in sports. For more information, visit http://www.aahperd.org/nagws/programs/ngwsd/.

Ivy League institutions are celebrating this year's National Girls and Women in Sports Day with events throughout the spring. Check back at IvyLeagueSports.com to see a collection of the celebrations from around the League.

Ivy League National Girls and Women in Sports Day schedule: