MACOMB, Ill. - The annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) celebration will take place on the Western Illinois University campus this Saturday (Feb. 2), starting at 1 p.m. The Leathernecks Athletics Department again will partner with staff and students of the University and the Girls Scouts of Central Illinois in this 27th annual national event. This year's theme is, "Girls in Sports, an Investment in the Future".

The event is open to girls from ages 14-and-under. The cost is $10 for each participant and adult volunteer. The cost includes: a t-shirt, goodie bag and ticket to the women's basketball game later that day. The activities begin at 1 p.m. with check-in at Brophy Hall and conclude with the Leathernecks' Summit League basketball game at 4:30 versus IUPUI. All participants will be recognized at halftime of the contest.

Members from the Western Illinois volleyball, softball, women's soccer, women's golf and cheerleading teams will be on hand to give instruction during the activities period.

According to Director of Marketing Kelsey Homewood, the event is a great way to also celebrate the 40th anniversary of Title IX.

"Girls have an opportunity to learn various skill sets and techniques from our student-athletes and coaches. This has been a really good partnership through the years between Leatherneck Athletics and staff and students from across campus, in addition to the area Girls Scouts, and Saturday is also a great way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Title IX," said Homewood. "It's great to see young females become physically active, and it gives them an opportunity to develop a competitive edge. We have individuals scheduled to speak to the girls, including an official from our basketball game later in the afternoon, coaches and administrators to show different areas on how women can be involved with athletics, specifically at the collegiate level. This is also another great opportunity for our female student-athletes to interact with the community and be a role model for these girls."

For more information or to sign up, individuals can call the WIU Women's Center at (309) 298-2242 or email at womenscenter@wiu.edu.

SCHEDLUE OF EVENTS 

1 - 1:15 p.m.  Check-in Brophy 235; get goodie bag and t-shirt                             

1:15 - 1:40 p.m.  Welcome, Overview of Day's Activities, Ice Breaker (facilitated by RPTA students)                          

1:40 - 2:10 p.m.   Speakers

2:10 - 3:30 p.m.   Activities in Brophy Gym facilitated by Kinesiology/Campus Rec grad student (Yoga 2:10 - 2:30), WIU female student-athletes, coaches (2:30 - 3:30 Volleyball, Softball, Soccer, Cheer Team)

3:30 -3:45 p.m. Wrap-up, group photo, gather belongings, walk across to Western Hall

3:45 - 4:15 p.m. Golf Activity on South Balcony; Resource Tables behind East Bleachers

4:15 - 4:30 p.m. Participants will be seated together in East bleachers; free pizza slices provided by Athletics

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.* Women's basketball Game vs. IUPUI

* Halftime activities - all participants and WIU women's teams will line up at 2 min.                                            before halftime to go out on the court to be recognized.