February 4, 2026, marks National Girls & Women in Sports Day! This annual celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life. The Women’s Sports Foundation ushers in 2026 energized to continue empowering girls and women and to creating pathways for their lifelong participation in sports. We appreciate all who have, and continue to, support us in our mission – and join us on this important day.
A vibrant movement we celebrate annually, NGWSD honors the achievements of women athletes, coaches and leaders, and the power of sports to unlock their limitless potential.
WSF applauds the vital role played by the individuals and organizations who join us in championing this effort: advocates seeking to protect Title IX and advance gender equity, athletes using their platform to inspire greatness, and coaches and community leaders working daily to promote play.
We invite you to join us by attending or hosting an event in your community – in-person or virtually – in conjunction with the nationwide NGWSD celebration.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) began in 1987 as a special day in our nation’s capital to recognize women’s sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite women athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports.
In the beginning, NGWSD served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman, for her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting equality for women’s sports; Hyman died of Marfan’s Syndrome in 1986. NGWSD has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of girls and women in sports, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.
NGWSD is a national day co-founded and powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation and supported by its team of champion athletes. Annually, schools and community-serving organizations host over 300 grassroots events across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. with an estimated reach of 200,000 girls and women.
This project has been made possible in part by a grant from Bread Financial Corporate Giving Fund, an advised fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
