Minnesotans Celebrate National Girls And Women In Sports Day

Minnesotans Celebrate National Girls And Women In Sports Day

Hundreds came to the Minnesota History Center Wednesday to celebrate and honor those who have helped blaze the trail for women's sports in and around Minnesota.

ST PAUL, Minn. — Pride was easy to spot at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul Wednesday, as hundreds came out to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, now in its 39th year.

"I was here last year and it was my first time, I'm embarrassed to say!" Annie Huidekoper said. "I should've been coming for years and years, and every single person you meet is impressive."

Wednesday's celebration featured displays and discussions from companies and sports leagues focused on women's sports. 11 women and men were also recognized for their contributions to the growth of women's sports in their respective games.

The collection of awardees included people ranging from coaches to players, referees to journalists – all aspects of the game covered, and recognized for their individual contributions.

"It's about the power of sports to teach is resilience, courage and belief in ourselves," Amy Cooper, the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award winner, said. Cooper is Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration at the University of St. Thomas.

"Being able to vote, being able to be educated, or being allowed to play wasn't always our right," MJ Wagenson, the Marie Berg Education Award winner, said. Wagenson spent decades as an official.

Also among them was Karin Schumacher, who received a special merit award. Schumacher is a former volleyball, softball and basketball player in Watertown, before heading to Moorhead for college.

In her career, Schumacher has seen the love of women's sports grow, but says more needs to be done.

"The growth has been phenomenal," she said. "We're not there yet, we're getting there."

That growth comes as we see this current moment, highlighting massive popularity for women's sports. Schumacher and the rest of the people at Wednesday's event will tell you though, this is just one moment, not the full movement.

"I think that's what it's all about," she said. "It's about what you can produce, what they can contribute, and just the ongoing trail."

To learn more about the event and each of the 11 award recipients, click here.

SOURCE: KARE 11