April 11, 2008

By Alison West
GREENVILLE, S.C. - On Saturday April 12, 2008, Furman will celebrate National Women's Sports Day with the Furman University Lady Paladins.

"It is important for the community to recognize the many contributions made by female athletes," commented Nicole Palazzo, Chair of the National Women's Sports Day Committee and Paladin volleyball player. "The Lady Paladins strive to be excellent examples to youth in the community and increase awareness of female athletics."

The Lady Paladins invite all young girls in the community ages six to fifteen to participate. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and events follow at 10 a.m. at the Furman University Paladin Stadium. Furman is hoping to draw 200 participants in its first annual National Women's Sports Day.

The day will begin with instructional stations coached by the Lady Paladins in their respective sports of volleyball, soccer, basketball, and golf. The athletic stations will be followed by lunch and a guest speaker, Jen Hannah, who played on the LPGA tour and currently coaches Furman's women's golf team.

After the speaker, Furman will hold an autograph session with the Lady Paladins. Lastly, participants will cheer on the Furman Softball team at their 1 p.m. game against Appalachian State University. Parents are asked to pick up their children between 2:15 and 2:30 p.m.

National Women's Sports Day began in 1987 as a national day to acknowledge the past and current achievements of women in sports, the positive influence of sports achievement, and the struggle for equality and access for women in sports. This day also remembers Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic accomplishments and her work to assure equality for women in sports.