Kutztown hosts National Girls and Women in Sports Day

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KUTZTOWN, Pa. (February 8, 2011)—The Keystone Fieldhouse was flooded with bright, smiling faces of nearly 100 elementary school children who joined in with Kutztown University to celebrate its annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

Children were sent to stations where they learned the basics of kicking a soccer ball, dribbling techniques of basketball, the proper way to swing a tennis racquet and bat, and cheers from the cheerleading team.

The KU football team added a helping hand and were group leaders for the kids. Other stations that the children enjoyed were lacrosse, track relay races and hurdles, bowling, volleyball, and field hockey.

Cheers of excitement and high-fives were exchanged whenever a child got a goal through Kutztown head women's soccer coach Erik Burstein. Burstein was properly suited for the occasion as he dressed in full soccer gear with knee pads, and placed bright pink cones on his head for an extra touch.

During the relay races, the children took part in a friendly competition. They were divided into two teams and had to complete a lap and hand the baton to their waiting classmates.

“It was a lot of fun interacting with the kids,” junior volleyball player Cait Hess said. “They definitely had a lot of energy and it was good for them to come in and run around. They enjoyed themselves and we all had fun.”

Avalanche, the Kutztown mascot made an appearance and highlighted the day with his funny tactics. Also making a guest appearance was Kutztown University president Dr. F. Javier Cevallos. Although the day is celebrated for female athletes, many of KU's male coaches were there taking part in the action.

After the stations ended, the fun didn't end there. The kids took part in a lunch that any child would love. Pizza, hotdogs, snacks, and juice filled their bellies as they took in the final moments of the day.

“I love having all the kids come and take part in the day,” junior tennis player Chelsea White said. “Even though the stations aren't very long, we still get to hit with them and they have so much fun in their session.”

The Golden Bear athletes were very helpful in their respective sports and took the time to teach techniques and get to know the kids.

“It feels good to give back to the kids,” sophomore volleyball player Kelsea Ashworth. “It's a fun part of the athletes day because we get to take some time off and it's a good opportunity for the kids to run around and enjoy themselves.

Since its inception in 1987, National Girls and Women in Sports Day has become the premiere occasion to celebrate the participation, success and accomplishments of girls and women athletes. What started in 1987 as a single event in Washington, D.C. to honor Olympic volleyball star Flo Hyman has grown into a nationwide celebration across all 50 states.

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