Event Overview and Purpose

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has publicized that the free celebration for National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) will take place on January 25, 2026. The event is open for children from pre-K to eighth grade and is mainly directed to making women’s sports more visible and encouraging the youngsters to play sports. This is an event sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) along with Carolina Athletics.

The celebration is scheduled to be held from 12pm to 1:30pm at the Bill Koman Practice Complex on the campus of UNC. It is a free event. Young participants and their families who pre-register will receive a complimentary ticket to the UNC women’s basketball game against Syracuse that same day at 2:00 p.m. at the nearby Carmichael Arena.

Activities and Sports Clinics

An integral element of the NGWSD event is to conduct mini-clinics and sport skill sessions which will be conducted by the women’s varsity teams of Carolina. These clinics provide children with the opportunity to participate in different sports in a fun and supportive environment. It is anticipated that most of the 15 women’s varsity teams will take part in the event, including cross country, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, swimming and diving, track and field, and volleyball.

The event is aimed at being inclusive of all children, irrespective of their prior experience in sports. The participants can take part in activities such as ball handling, running drills, basic sport skills and others that help in the development of confidence and physical fitness.

Health, Community, and Youth Benefits

The participation of Blue Cross NC underlines the importance of sports in not only promoting physical health but also mental health, resilience, and social interaction. The sponsor considers children's games as a means of developing more robust and healthier kids and normalizing mental health issues for teenagers engaged in sports.

Moms and dads, as well as guardians, are invited to come along with their kids. The occasion highlights the role of the family and the community in supporting the event. People taking part will be informed about check-in and parking after their registration, and email reminders will be sent prior to the event.

Background on National Girls & Women in Sports Day

The National Girls & Women in Sports Day was first established in 1987, and it has been a yearly ritual in the U.S. ever since. The day is observed in different ways by schools, sports programs, and community groups, who emphasize the significance of sports for girls and women, advocate for equal chances, and honor athletic leadership and success.