Celebrating the the 25th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day
History
National Girls and Women in Sports Day 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 devoted to acknowledging the past accomplishments of female athletes and recognizing current sports achievements,the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
A Look Back
Flo Hyman Memorial Award
From 1987 to 2004, the Flo Hyman Memorial Award was presented by the Women’s Sports Foundation in
conjunction with NGWSD to an outstanding female athlete, who exemplifies Flo Hyman’s dignity, spirit, and commitment to excellence.
Hyman, who was captain of the 1984 U.S. Olympic volleyball team, led her team to a silver medal and brought U.S. women’s volleyball worldwide recognition and respect.
She died suddenly from Marfan Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, while playing Japan in 1986.
