Luncheon welcomed La Salle's women's athletic teams and local elementary school girls.

PHILADELPHIA – La Salle celebrated the 24th annual National Girls and Women In Sports Day with a luncheon on Tuesday, February 2. NGWS Day was started in 1987 in honor of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman, who died in 1986 while competing in a tournament in Japan. The day has grown into a national celebration of women’s athletic achievements in the past and present and to acknowledge the positive influence of sports participation and the ongoing struggle for equality and access.

La Salle psychology professor Denise Martello Maida, Psy.D. gave Tuesday’s keynote speech. Maida earned her master’s and doctorate degrees from La Salle and teaches six graduate courses at the University. A competitive runner who competes in the Philadelphia Distance Run and Broad Street Run each year, Maida also has participated in triathlons each spring.

Through her speech, she encouraged the student-athletes to stick with fitness after their athletic careers come to a close. Maida implored those in attendance to recognize and appreciate the physical as well as mental benefits of regular exercise. She also encouraged the fifth and sixth grade students in attendance to find a physical activity they enjoy and to stick with it, whether they enjoy organized sports or something more individual.

Mary Ellen Wydan, La Salle’s Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and the Senior Woman Administrator, coordinated the efforts of the Tuesday’s luncheon.

“I think it’s really important to celebrate how far we’ve come in athletics for women,” Wydan said. “Athletes today don’t always recognize the difficult journey women before them faced in securing equal athletic opportunities. It is important to celebrate those accomplishments and be grateful for the women who fought for the opportunities that are available today.”

Members of La Salle’s women’s athletic teams will be in attendance along with athletic department and University officials. A group of fifth and sixth graders from local schools were also in attendance.