Ypsi event to celebrate women and girls in sports with youth sports clinic, panels, and more

On the Ground Ypsilanti is an “embedded journalism” program covering the city and township of Ypsilanti. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.

The Ann Arbor Sports Commission (AASC) will host the third annual Washtenaw County Celebration of Girls and Women in Sports at the George Gervin GameAbove Center, 799 N. Hewitt Rd. in Ypsilanti, from noon-2 p.m. on Jan. 31. Building on the success of its previous years, the event continues to grow in both scope and impact, reflecting the county’s deepening commitment to equity, inclusivity, and lifelong participation in sports.

Since its first year, which focused strictly on educational panels, the celebration has expanded to include hands-on sports clinics and interactive experiences designed to engage children as young as four years old. This year, the event will feature an educational panel, a youth sports clinic, and the opportunity to cheer on the Eastern Michigan University Eagles at a basketball game, followed by post-game autographs and photos.

“What we found was we were missing an important age demographic of young girls,” says Meaghan Hughes, director of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. “We heard feedback that they wanted to get involved as well.”

Hughes emphasizes that the blend of education, activity, and visible role models is intentional. 

“The clinic is my new favorite part of the whole experience,” she says. “A love for a new sport can start at a young age, and being able to be around other people trying something new has a positive impact.”

The celebration also highlights the importance of lifelong involvement in sports, whether as an athlete, coach, volunteer, or fan. 

“We love to promote being able to be a part of sports your entire life, whatever that means to you,” Hughes explains, noting that many panelists have continued impactful careers in sports after their competitive days ended.

The event’s timing is roughly aligned with National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which falls on Feb. 4 this year. 

“We should be celebrating girls and women in sports throughout the year, but it made sense to celebrate with the national holiday in conjunction,” Hughes says.

A key component of the celebration is its collaboration with nonprofits, which changes each year to spotlight different community organizations. This year, the celebration has partnered with Girls On The Run not only to promote participation in track, but also to highlight a local nonprofit that shares goals with the AASC.

“It’s a true partnership with nonprofits every year that we really enjoy doing,” Hughes says, adding that the AASC’s goal is to support groups that share a mission of empowering youth.

You can register for the Celebration of Girls and Women in Sports here. 

“I hope everyone goes home with a big smile on their face,” Hughes says. “Everyone is welcome, and you can celebrate this no matter who you are.”