February 9, 1999

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - In conjunction with the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and Lifetime Television, the University of Maryland women's basketball team invites its surrounding community to "Take a Girl to a Game" this Thursday evening to help commemorate National Girls & Women in Sports activities sponsored by the Women's Sports Foundation.

Maryland hosts North Carolina on Thursday, Feb. 11at First National Bank of Maryland Court at Cole Field House. The first 1,000 youngsters receiving a free deck of "She Can Play" playing cards and a "She Can Play" poster with game rosters for the Terps and Tar Heels. Two youths (ages 13 and under) are admitted free with every paid adult. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m.

National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women's sports. Since then, NGWSD has evolved into a day to remember the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.

The ACC combined efforts this season with the WBCA and Lifetime Television to promote a conference-wide effort in promoting National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Each ACC institution has been designated to host a "Take a Girl to a Game" promotion during the month of February, coinciding with the annual celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day which took place a week ago on Feb. 4.

To celebrate the Day in Washington, D.C., champion female athletes and members of Congress met for a luncheon to honor the Flo Hyman Award recipient. Previous winners include Martina Navratilova, Donna de Varona, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Foundation founder Billie Jean King, among many others. Nadia Comaneci was the recipient for 1998.