Sports are much more than just a game or just a competition. Sports are an opportunity to learn more about yourself and develop skills that will benefit you in and out of competition. National Girls and Women in Sports Day is all about celebrating and encouraging the involvement of females in sports, so more women can emerge as leaders in sports and life. At USA Cycling, we are lucky to have so many talented and passionate women that are committed to connecting girls and women to sports. Here’s what they have to say about their experiences in sports and how they use their love for sports to enact change.
Liz Kollar, Director of Youth & Collegiate Development
"I began my competitive cycling career in triathlon in 2001 and have been riding my bike ever since. I am a mountain biker, road biker, gravel racer and plopped my big toe into CX this last year. I am embarrassed to say I have more bikes in my garage than shoes in my closet – but hey, priorities! I love riding my bike. The sport has embraced me into its community of passionate weekend warriors, opened up a world of new adventures and given me the special gift of extraordinary people in my life. Simply put, all my best buddies, I met riding my bike!
I love my job at USA Cycling because my purpose here is to figure out ways to introduce kids to bikes and then build programs that help foster a life-long love of riding. For young riders a bike is so much more than transportation. Riding bike is the original form of social network. It empowers us to take risks and step outside our comfort zone, it builds self-confidence and community. This is particularly important for young girls and I am proud of what we are doing as an organization to build a more welcoming environment for riders of all ages, genders, levels and abilities."
History of the Celebration from Women's Sports Foundation
"The Women’s Sports Foundation was established in 1974 to advance the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity. February 5, 2020, marks the 34th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). This celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life."
Join us in Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day February 5th, 2020!
