Photo Gallery Pt. 1
Photo Gallery Pt. 2

Garden City, N.Y. – Adelphi University student-athletes from the Panthers women's sports team hosted over 40 kids ages 6-12 for a day of fitness and fun in celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Saturday. In the spirit of the National Association of Girls and Women in Sport, the successful event helped honor the achievements and encourage participation of women in sports, all while raising over $200 for the New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline.
 
Participating kids followed their favorite Panthers through a two hour, seven station rotation that included everything from a fitness fun obstacle course to balloon volleyball and bowling. The cheerleading team decked out the young Adelphi fans with black and gold face paint, and the dance team taught the kids a special dance routine that they performed during halftime of the women's basketball game. All participants received a free Adelphi t-shirt and were treated to lunch on campus.
 
“It means a great deal to the university and the athletic department to be an influence on the development and education of young females through activity, as well as celebrating the efforts and abilities of our own student-athletes,” said Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Kate Whalen, who has been instrumental in promoting NGWSD each year since helping create the ECC Senior Female-Athletes Brunch in 2002.
 
Head softball coach Paige Smith led the kids in boisterous cheers from their front row seats at the basketball games. Smith noted the unique experience of watching Adelphi athletes feed off the energy of the kids and vice versa.
 
“I think it was a great event and the kids had a lot of fun,” Smith said. “I had a great time watching our student-athletes interact with them.”
 
Smith said the feedback from kids and parents was overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic.
 
“Just wanted to send you a note to say thanks so much for such a wonderful day,” said Diane Wunderlich, a mother of a participant and a Girl Scout Brownie group leader, in an email to Danielle MacKnight, assistant athletic director and NGWSD committee member. “My daughter and all her friends could not stop raving about what an awesome time they had!"
 
NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies, and activities honoring the achievements and encouraging participation of girls and women in sports.
NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure 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 evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.