By Barry Moskowitz
Queens, NY - More than 100 children from youth groups across the
metropolitan area enjoyed a free sports clinic, inspirational talks
and a festive lunch at St. John's University on Saturday, Feb. 12,
as part of the University's National Women in Sports Day
celebration.
Sponsored by St. John's women's basketball team, Student
Government and Office of Campus Activities, the day's events drew
children from the Boys and Girls Club of Hempstead, the St. John
Baptist Elementary School in Brooklyn, and CampUs.
With St. John's coaches and student athletes providing
instruction, the Saturday morning clinic featured basketball, dance
and cheer, soccer and volleyball. After the clinic, the
University's School Spirit Committee and Student Government
sponsored a pizza lunch for all participants.
"The day was a great success," said Jacqueline Smith, director
of women's basketball operations at St. John's. "Everyone at
St. John's joined in making this a wonderful day for the children,
a day we would like to see become an annual event."
After lunch, St. John's women's basketball team hosted the
University of Pittsburgh at Lou Carnesseca Arena. St. John's won by
49-39. Kym Hampton, former WNBA star with the New York
Liberty, addressed the audience at half-time and later delivered
the keynote address at St. John's annual Women in Sports
Dinner.
The U.S. Congress established Women in Sports Day as a national
holiday in 1986. Created after the sudden death of U.S. Olympic
volleyball player Flo Hyman, the event honors the achievements of
women athletes throughout history.