Frankfort, Ky. (January 28, 2012)- Since its inception began in 1987, National Girls and Women in Sports Day has been the premiere occasion to celebrate the participation, success and accomplishments of girls and women athletes. What began in 1987 as one event in Washington, D.C. to honor Olympic volleyball star Flo Hyman has developed into a nationwide celebration across the United States.

Kentucky State University is honoring National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 2 as it battles Lemoyne-Owen College. NGWSD is marked annually with events around the country to commemorate the achievements of girls and women in athletics. NGWSD is also an important day to promote the continued expansion of opportunities for girls and women to play sports and live physically active lives every day.

The Coalition combines not only the experience but also the resources of the five premier organizations serving girls and women in the United States: Girls 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. Collectively, these organizations have been in existence for over 427 years and have a membership reach of 5.5 million girls and women.

“It is important to honor women who participate in and serve as administrators in athletics,” says KSU Director of Athletics, Dr. Denisha L. Hendricks. “We want to show our fans that we have superior student-athletes and a highly experienced administration. I am truly excited about this day and am proud to celebrate women in sports along with many other schools and organizations.”

For Hendricks, being an administrator provides opportunities to mentor other women. “Not many people know that there are only 14 African-American women athletic directors in the nation. This not only presents room for increased minority hiring, but also enables us to celebrate those in my position across the country,” Hendricks affirmed.

When KSU students participate in organized sports they are building necessary communication and cooperation skills. These are skills that play a key role not only at home but at work and in society as a whole also. The purpose of celebrating NGWSD nationwide is to increase awareness of female athletes, and female sports teams. In its 25th year, the gains in women sports are becoming more visible.
Kentucky State's women's basketball game will play first at 5:30 p.m.; the men will follow at 7:30 p.m.

For more information about NGWSD visit www.ngwsd.com. For more information about the game or KSU athletics visit www.ksuthorobreds.com or contact the Department of Athletics at 502-597-6011.