National Girls and Women in Sports Day: Timeline of Key Events

Establishment

In 1987, the first National Women in Sports Day was established. Ronald Reagan created this day to recognize and honor womens participation in sports. Originally this day was marked to acknowledge volleyball player Flo Hyman as she advocated for equality of women in sports.

Women's athletic clubs - 1800s

Earlier women were not allowed to sign up in men’s clubs. This is when they started their own informal clubs so that they would get the opportunity to do sports training.

Women enter in the Olympics - 1900

In the 1900 Summer Olympics, 997 athletes competed out of which 22 were women. They participated in 5 categories of sports.

First woman plays on PGA tour - 1938

American golfer Babe Zaharias competed in the PGA Tour during the Los Angeles Open and became the first female to be a part of the tour.

Title IX passed in US - 1972

The passing of Title IX meant that equal access to sports would be provided to girls in the United States of America.

First woman plays in men’s pro league - 1986

In the year 1986, a woman played in the men’s United States Basketball League for the first time. This was not only an inspiring but also courageous move made by Nancy Lieberman which opened new doors for other girls. She is currently a broadcaster for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA.

Women participate in all Olympic sports - 2012

Womens boxing was added as an event in the Olympics, which marked the time that women started to compete in all of the sports that men do.

Calling all females - Today

Since the time of its inauguration, National Girls and Women in Sports Day has grown to recognize all female athletes. All efforts are important. All sports players (professional, amateur, and aspiring) are encouraged. Today all women and girls and encouraged to participate in sports and athletic events.