Comcast SportsNet’s Gail Fischer began the celebration with a speech about the day’s history and the importance of participation in athletics for all girls and women. She was joined on the court by representatives of all of the Northwestern women’s sports teams, including the 2005 NCAA National Champion lacrosse team.

Fischer then handed the microphone over to the Sky’s Brooke Wyckoff, who spoke about the team’s upcoming season and the importance of encouraging all girls and women to be involved in sports.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day began in 1986 to commemorate Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman, for her efforts towards equal opportunities for women in sports. The day has since evolved into a celebration of past and present female athletic achievements, and a symbol of the ongoing fight for access and opportunity for women in sports. This year’s theme, “Count Me In,” particularly emphasized participation in athletics for all girls and women. Sky Athletic Trainer Georgia Fischer, who is also Gail Fischer’s older sister, felt that the event was a huge success.

“We were able to reach out to over 1,000 people about the need to support girls in sports,” Georgia Fischer said. “All of those little girls have a positive memory or an inspiration to follow if they dream of playing sports or being physically active.”

The event ended with a game of knockout featuring one player from each of the Northwestern women’s sports teams. The Wildcats then went on to beat the Wisconsin Badgers, 58-56.