Toms River, NJ – On the evening of February 13^th, the Ocean County College Athletic department held its 1^st annual recognition of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, where students, coaches and ladies of all ages in the community were honored for their participation in local sport programs.

Ocean County College Executive Director of Athletics Ilene Cohen addressed the crowd prior to OCC’s final regular season basketball games, where she both shared the meaning behind National Girls & Women in Sports Day, and stressed its importance. “This past Sunday, the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women celebrated its 28^th year of recognizing outstanding females that have participated in sports programs. Tonight we will recognize female student-athletes from all levels that through athletics, have enjoyed a sense of accomplishment and earned academic success,” remarked Cohen.

Over 60 females, ranging in age from children to senior citizens, took to center court to be recognized by Ocean’s home crowd as having had their lives enriched by participating in sports. “This was the first of what will be an annual event for us, and I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out,” stated Cohen. “I have been involved in sports in some fashion for my entire life, and it was wonderful to bring together so many women who’ve shared that same experience.”

National Girls & Women in Sports Day is a nationwide campaign which recognizes the achievements of female athletes at all levels of competition. Decades of research shows that females who play sports have better health, higher self-esteem, greater academic achievement, stronger leadership skills, and greater economic opportunity, among much more.

For further information about the National Girls & Women in Sports Day, please visit the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women’s site.

To view a broadcast of Ocean County College Athletics’ broadcast of their event, please visit their livestream page.