On Wedensday, February 3rd, the St. Thomas Aquinas College athletic department took part in celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day.   All female student athletes were recognized for their athletic accomplishments, while the female athletic administrators, coaches and staff were thanked for their hard work in the daily operations of the athletic department. 

Following the women's basketball game, the Spartans from all nine sports sponsored by the college, along with their dance and cheer teams and the Lady Bears of NYIT were called to half court to accept a small gift.  With over 130 female student-athletes participating in the event, it was a true declaration of the many opportunities that Title IX has helped to ensure for female athletes. 

The Spartans were also joined by over 40 young members of various local Girl Scouts and CYO members from Rockland County who joined the student athletes at half court to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day.  Troop members and athletes received t-shirts and small gifts following the game. 

The STAC ceremony was one of more than 1,000 events taking place across the country for National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Congress has proclaimed this national day each year since 1987.

This year's NGWSD theme, Leading the Way, is a nod to all those individuals and organizations who are on the frontline for girls and women in sports: the organizations committed to advancing women's issues, athletes who have overcome barriers, coaches who challenge their teams to succeed, girls who have faith in their own potential and all those who continue to use the power of example to inspire greatness.

For 30 years, NGWSD has empowered women and girls to get moving, embrace physical activity and push past their limits both in sports and in life. We know that when girls participate in sports, they develop the leadership skills to excel in school, at home and in their communities. The courage, strength and character gained through physical activity are the very tools girls need to become the strong leaders of tomorrow.

The Day is organized nationally by the Girl Scouts of the USA, Girls Incorporated, National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, the National Women's Law Center and the Women's Sports Foundation.  For more information on National Girl's and Women in Sports Day, please visit http://www.aahperd.org/ngwsdcentral/.