Weatherspoon encourages a young athlete. MSG Photos

On Thursday, February 6, the New York Liberty teamed up with Chelsea Piers, Liberty SMART Girls Basketball League (through the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Jersey), the YMCA of Greater New York, Madison Square Garden's Cheering for Children Foundation and Corporate Edge to hold a basketball clinic at Chelsea Piers for approximately 200 girls to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Liberty captain and WNBA All-Star Teresa Weatherspoon, Liberty Assistant Coach Jeff House and Liberty Athletic Trainer Lisa White spoke to the clinic's participants about the importance and benefits of being active in sports.

White kicked off the event by introducing the clinic attendees to the importance of of what this day and event signifies. Weatherspoon, House and White then led the girls through a basketball fundamentals session while stressing the importance of females' participation in sports. They conveyed the message of the day by sharing their own personal sports experiences with the clinic's participants.

Weatherspoon joking with one of the kids. MSG Photos

"It is a pleasure to see such a positive response to this event. I jump at the opportunity to support young girls participating in any sport," said Weatherspoon. "It is important to motivate these girls to be involved in sports and remember the significance of the day we are celebrating."

National Girls and Women in Sports Day began in remembrance of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic accomplishments and dedication towards achieving equity in women's sports. Marfan's Syndrome took Hyman's death in 1986 during a volleyball tournament in Japan. Thus, the arrival of NGWSD, a day to celebrate the past and present sports feats, positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women's sports.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day is celebrated throughout the 50 states, and its founders include the Girl Scouts of the USA, Girls Incorporated, National Association of Girls and Women in Sport, Women's Sports Foundation, and the YWCA of the USA. Collectively, these five organizations reach more than 50 million girls and women.

SOURCE: Women's Sports Foundation

To find out how you can support NGWSD, visit www.ngwsdcentral.com