National Women In Sports Day

Young women in vibrant sportswear celebrating victory on a soccer field, showing unity and athleticism with a dash of colorful diversity.. — National women in sports day illustration

Ladies, grab your sportswear because it's time to come together and show folks how it's done on the mega-sports-ball-throwy-fighty-bouncy court, or whichever sporting venue you prefer. Welcome to National Women in Sports Day, the day that marks the beautiful marriage of girl power and sportsmanship.

When is Women In Sports Day?

It's national women in sports day on the 3rd February.

History of National Women in Sports Day

Established in 1987, National Women in Sports Day was born out of a desire to both celebrate and encourage women participating in all kinds of sports. Initially, the number of online mentions around this special day would have been as slim as the odds of a tortoise winning the Indianapolis 500, with the internet being in its fledgling stage. Fast-forward a few decades, and now we're talking about a hefty 3,174 online mentions! The digital world truly gave its loudest cheer for this day on the 3rd of February, 2021.

Why it's Important

National Women in Sports Day serves as an annual reminder of the crucial need to bolster gender equality in the world of sports, encourage young girls to take the sporting field, and cheer on our ladies making great strides (or sprints!) in their chosen sports.

A Celebration of Achievements

Anyone could fill a marathon with worthy mentions. Mile one might represent Serena Williams' stellar tennis career, mile two Wilma Rudolph’s incredible sprinting record, while mile three could symbolize the unstoppable USA's women's soccer team. We champion their victories, resilience, and spirit that inspire the next generation of girls.

How to Celebrate

Get your game faces on, ladies! Organize a friendly match with your girlfriends. Encourage your daughter to join a sports team. Or use the day to sit back and marvel at the women's sporting events being televised. Remember, if all else fails, merely wearing your favorite team's jersey counts as participation!

History behind the term 'Women In Sports'

1900

Early Rise of Women in Sports

The term 'women in sports' is deeply rooted in the early 20th century when women's participation in sports gained momentum. In 1900, the Summer Olympics in Paris recognized women's cricket teams from England and France. This marked a significant milestone in the history of women in sports, as it showcased their athletic abilities on an international platform.

1920

Flapper Culture and Changing Norms

During the 1920s, commonly known as the 'Roaring Twenties,' a cultural shift occurred, often referred to as the rise of the 'Flapper.' These young and independent women defied traditional societal norms, openly embracing athleticism and participating in a variety of sports. This shift in cultural attitudes broadened the opportunities for women in sports.

1943

The Formation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League

In 1943, during World War II, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) was established, providing an unprecedented opportunity for women to play professional sports. The league provided a platform for over 600 women to showcase their skills in baseball and paved the way for women's professional sports leagues in the future.

1972

Title IX: A Game-Changer for Gender Equality in Sports

The passing of Title IX, a law enacted in the United States in 1972, revolutionized women's participation in sports. Title IX prohibited sex discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding, including sports programs. This law helped bridge the gender gap in sports by ensuring equal opportunities and resources for female athletes, leading to a surge in women's sports participation.

1991

Formation of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)

In 1991, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) was founded, becoming the first professional women's basketball league supported by the NBA. The establishment of the WNBA provided talented female basketball players with a platform to compete at the highest level of the sport and increased the visibility and popularity of women's basketball.

2001

Inauguration of the FIFA Women's World Cup

The inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup took place in China in 1991, marking a significant milestone in women's sports history. The tournament showcased the skills and talent of female soccer players from around the world, bringing global attention to women's soccer. This event served as a catalyst for the subsequent growth and recognition of women's soccer on a global scale.

2021

Continued Progress and Empowerment

Today, the term 'women in sports' encompasses a multitude of disciplines and achievements. It represents the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, inspire young girls to pursue athletic endeavors, and celebrate the achievements of female athletes on the world stage. The cultural impact of 'women in sports' continues to evolve, encouraging inclusivity, breaking barriers, and empowering future generations.

Did you know?

Did you know that in 2020, close to 50% of super bowl viewers were women? Shows that ladies love their sports just as much, if not more, and we're not only on the sidelines, we're playing, viewing and leading the game!