KANEOHE, Hawai'i — Over 200 young women joined more than 70 Hawai'i Pacific University student-athletes and coaches on HPU's Hawai'i Loa Campus for the 2019 National Girls & Women in Sports Day on Sunday, Jan. 27.

Girls from ages four to 14 received instruction in separate clinics that included tennis, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, cross country, golf, acrobatics & tumbling, cheerleading, and dance from female student-athletes at HPU. Participants also received a free t-shirt as well as lunch at the event presented by the Minami Foundation.

"Hosting this day is a labor of love for us here at HPU," said HPU Assistant Athletics Director and Head Women's Tennis Coach Lauren Conching. "We are fortunate as coaches and athletes for the opportunity to encourage young girls in Hawai'i to be active in athletics. Many of the girls got to experience a new sport that they previously had not tried before and that is a rewarding feeling."

It's the ninth year that HPU has hosted an event for National Girls & Women in Sports Day. NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies, and activities honoring the achievements and encouraging participation of girls and women in sports.

This is the 33rd year the event has been held with thousands of girls and women participating across the nation.