Wartburg hosts NGWSD event

National Girls and Women in Sports Day is highlighted as part of Wartburg College's Iowa Conference basketball doubleheader against Coe Saturday, Jan. 22. The national celebration of NGWSD has acknowledged the achievements of girls and women in sports for 25 years.

Girls in grades K-12 are admitted free to the 2 p.m. women's basketball game in Levick Arena. Parents of NGWSD participants receive reduced price admission of $3 each, as Wartburg celebrates the “Year of Community” on campus. Members of the Wartburg softball and volleyball programs will be present to interact with the girls, who will get a chance to play on-court during halftime.

Emily Braem, a junior student-athlete on the softball team from Glen Ellyn Ill., has taken a lead role in organizing the event. “We are excited to work together with a variety of groups on campus and in the Cedar Valley to promote active lifestyles for girls in the community,” she said. “It also will be a great opportunity for us to cheer on the women's basketball team.”

This year, Wartburg is collaborating with the Girl Scouts and Allen College in a special pre-game program to encourage girls to develop their sports skills, make healthy choices, and value teamwork. Other campus organizations and offices offering support for NGWSD include the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, The W, and the Center for Community Engagement.

Girls, attending the event, are encouraged to wear a sports-related shirt or jersey the day of the event. For more information, call the Wartburg softball office at 319-352-8728.