Ann Arbor, MI – [January 16, 2025] – The Ann Arbor Sports Commission is proud to host the second annual Washtenaw County Celebration of Girls and Women in Sports, a two-day event designed to inspire girls and women of all ages through a mix of hands-on activities, collegiate sports and educational panel discussions led by experts. The event, scheduled for Saturday, February 1, and Sunday, February 2, 2025, is timed to align with National Girls and Women in Sports Day, recognized annually during the first week in February.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day, established in 1987, celebrates the achievements of women and girls in sports while recognizing the importance of equal opportunities for athletic participation.

“We are thrilled to bring back this event for a second year,” said Meaghan Hughes, Director of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. “It’s an incredible opportunity to highlight the confidence, resilience, and joy that sports bring to girls and women in our community. Our goal is to encourage lifelong participation in athletics and create an environment where girls and women feel supported, included, and celebrated.”

While the event focuses on empowering girls and women, everyone is welcome to attend. Families, friends, and supporters of female athletes are encouraged to participate in the activities, enjoy the panels, and cheer for the collegiate athletes taking part.

Event Highlights

Attendees can look forward to a weekend of engaging and inspiring activities:
EMU Women’s Basketball Game
•  When: Saturday, February 1, 12:30 PM
•  Where: George Gervin GameAbove Center
•  Participate in a pre-game sports clinic with EMU athletes, watch the game, and join the team for post-game autographs and a shootaround.

Educational Panels
•  When: Sunday, February 2, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
•  Where: The Kensington Hotel
•  Learn from experts on critical topics such as diet culture, mental wellness, and resilience in sports. Panelists include registered dietitians like Melanie Sulaver, social workers, and former athletes like Mikaela Schulz. "Female athletes are often exposed to toxic sport culture, peer pressure, and an onslaught of confusing information," said Melanie Sulaver, founder of Nutrition By Mel and panelist at the event. “This celebration and access to information supporting girls and women in sport is an opportunity to help alleviate their fears, maximize their performance, and appreciate puberty for what it is - a superpower that, when fully embraced, can support their highest level of performance.”

U-M Women’s Hockey Game
•  When: Sunday, February 2, 4:05 PM
•  Where: Yost Ice Arena
•  Cheer on the U-M Women’s Club Hockey team and meet the players during a post-game autograph session.

Admission and Details
Admission to the event is $5 per person, which includes access to all activities across the two days. Team discounts are available for groups. For more information about the event and to register, visit annarbor.org/sports-commission/calendar/womeninsport.

The Ann Arbor Sports Commission extends its gratitude to this year’s sponsors, including Even Hotel, The Kensington Hotel, Golden Limousine International, and Reset Brain and Body. Special thanks also go to the event’s partners, EMU Athletics and University of Michigan Women’s Club Hockey, for their collaboration and commitment to promoting opportunities for girls and women in sports.