Women in Sports Panel Discussion Feb. 27 at UW

A panel discussion that ties in with the 29th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is planned Friday, Feb. 27, from noon-1 p.m. in the University of Wyoming Union Family Room.

The free public “Women in Sports: Developing Leaders and Difference Makers” discussion is sponsored by the UW Women’s Center, with support from UW Athletics. Lunch will be provided during the event.

The panelists are Jo Chytka, Center for Career and Advising Services director; Deputy General Counsel Tara Evans; Karen Gaudreault, Division of Kinesiology and Health assistant professor; Kayla Henderson, a junior Cowgirls volleyball player from Marietta, Ga.; Cowgirls’ golf Coach Josey Stender; and Rachel Watson, Department of Molecular Biology lecturer. Division of Kinesiology and Health Assistant Professor Tucker Readdy will moderate the panel.

Another UW activity to recognize NGWSD is the Cowgirls basketball game against UNLV Saturday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. in the Arena-Auditorium. Girls 12 and under can purchase tickets for $5. Pregame activities in the Arena-Auditorium concourse begin at 1 p.m. UW Cowgirls teams host the free public event.

NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her promotion of 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 become a day to acknowledge the past accomplishments of female athletes, recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.

Since its inception, NGWSD has been celebrated annually in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies and activities honoring the achievements of female athletes, and encouraging participation of girls and women in sports.