EPIC for Girls to Host Lead HER Forward Sports Week Events at the Benson Theater
Story by Promise Lloyd
EPIC for Girls’ ‘Lead HER Forward Sports Week’ is fast approaching - starting with the Omaha Supernovas vs. Columbus Fury 7 p.m. Friday game at the CHI Health Center. The week is filled with game attendance, athlete meet-and-greets, and sports clinic opportunities in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which falls on Feb. 5.
EPIC for Girls is to host its “Lead HER Forward Sports Week” main event at 5 p.m. Feb. 5 watch party and athlete meet-and-greet at the Benson Theater, where a special Mayoral proclamation will highlight the power of sports in empowering girls and women. The watch party will feature appearances from professional athletes, including members of LOVB Omaha Volleyball, Nebraska Pride Football, and Omaha Goats Women’s Rugby.
At the “Lead Her Forward Sports Week” Meet & Greet, EPIC for Girls will showcase its mission to have 63% of all Omaha girls engaged in sports. While funding plays a critical role, representation matters just as much. That’s why EPIC for Girls has partnered with nine local organizations to elevate the diverse role models who reflect the community and inspire the next generation of female athletes. A full list of events, access to discounted tickets, and to RSVP for the Meet & Greet, are available at www.epicforgirls.org/lead-her-forward/
Jan. 31 | 7:00 PM | Omaha Supernovas vs. Columbus Fury
Feb. 1 | 2:00 PM | UNO Mavericks vs. South Dakota State
Feb. 2 | 10:00 AM | Creighton Sports Clinic for Youth
Feb. 2 | 1:00 AM | Creighton Bluejays vs. Providence
Feb. 5 | 5:00 PM | SET the Bar: Athlete Meet & Greet and Watch Party
Feb. 7 | 5:30 PM | Bellevue Bruins vs. Dakota State
Feb. 8 | 2:00 PM | College of Saint Mary Flames vs. Waldorf
The National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) falls in the monumental month of Black History Month, making it a powerful opportunity to honor the Black women athletes who have paved the way in sports while celebrating the ongoing fight for equality, representation, and opportunity for all girls and women in athletics.
NGWSD originally started as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her achievements in work for equality. She suffered from Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder of the connective tissue, and passed away while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan in 1986. Over time, the day has evolved into a nationwide movement acknowledging the accomplishments of women athletes, the influence of sports participation, and the ongoing fight for equality.
