BYU celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day

PROVO, Utah — Cougar fans will have the opportunity to interact with BYU female athletes as BYU Athletics celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day and the 40th anniversary of Title IX on Saturday.

The free event begins at 10 a.m. MST in the Smith Fieldhouse Annex and will conclude at noon prior to the start of the women’s gymnastics meet also at the Fieldhouse (1 p.m. MST) and the women’s basketball game at the Marriott Center (2 p.m. MST). The Annex is located in the west end of the Fieldhouse.

“National Girls and Women in Sports Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate girls participation in sports and the positive effects it can have on their lives.” said Janie Penfield, BYU associate athletic director and senior woman administrator. “The event will give girls in our community a chance to be exposed to different sports and interact with positive female role models.”

Fans will have the opportunity to interact and run drills with athletes from BYU’s 11 women’s sports teams and the spirit squad. Face painting, balloon animals and a photo booth will also be at the event.

Both athletic competitions following the event are free. Gymnastics competes against Southern Utah and women’s basketball will host Gonzaga.

The event marks the ninth-consecutive year that BYU has participated in National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The event started in 1987 as a way to celebrate the achievements of girls and women in athletics, provide opportunities for girls to become involved in new sports and encourage healthy living.