At their January 19, 2011 meeting, the FUSD Board of Education adopted Resolution No. 11-02 recognizing February 2, 2011 as "National Girls and Women Sport Day."

Girl Scouts of the USA, Girls Incorporated, the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, the National Women’s Law Center, and the Women’s Sports Foundation join together to celebrate the 25th Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day in Washington, D.C. and communities across the nation.  This day exists 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.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman, for her athletic achievements and her commitment to ensure equality for women’s sports.  The history of girls and women in sports is rich and long, yet there has been little national recognition of the significance of girls and women’s athletic achievements.

Girls’ and women’s athletics, at all levels, is one of the most effective avenues available through which girls and women in the United States may develop self-discipline, initiative, confidence, and leadership skills regardless of background.  The bonds built between girls and women through athletics help to break down the social barriers of racism and prejudice, and the communication and cooperation skills learned play a key role in the athlete’s contributions at home, at work and to society. A need for increased opportunities exists for girls to participate in and pursue physical activity at the community and scholastic level to increase their health and well-being on a daily basis so that they are able to develop lifelong fitness habits at an early age.

This year’s theme is “Play, Believe, Achieve.”