Temple University Celebrates National Girls And Women In Sports Day
By Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Monday is National Girls and Women in Sports Day and Temple University hosted an event to help get girls interested in all different kinds of sports.
Kelli Sheesley with Temple says about 200 girls took part in the three-hour program that lets them try a number sports like tennis, gymnastics and rowing.
"It's really just a day about showing girls that they can be empowered and that they can be involved in athletics and it's not just a boys' world," said Sheesley.
Olivia is one of those young girls.
(Reporter:) "What's been your favorite thing to do so far?"
"Field hockey," said Olivia.
(Reporter:) "Why field hockey?"
"It's very fun, we learned the basics," she said.
Tricia Light who's on the field hockey team at Temple helped coach the girls.
"It's just a good experience for them to broaden their horizons and see what's out there," said Light.
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Miarra got a chance to participate in the clinic.
"We got to run around, I really liked it," said Miarra.
Mayor Michael Nutter even stopped past to take part in the fun.
"Any opportunity I have to help, encourage, participate in events that support our young people is something that I want to be a part of, in particular making sure that women and girls have athletic and sports, arts and culture opportunities," said Mayor Nutter.
The girls even got a special visit from the well-known Temple men's basketball coach Fran Dunphy.
"I think it's our duty to promote women in sport as much as we possibly can," said Dunphy.
The annual event is open for girls from preschool to eighth grade.
This is the fourth year that Temple hosted the event.
