Erie County K-8 girls are invited to a free, all-day sports extravaganza at Mercyhurst University on Saturday, Feb. 1, in observance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The event takes place at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (MAC) and the adjacent Recreation and Fitness Center.

Participants in the 9th annual event receive free admission to the 1 p.m. basketball game between the Lakers and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) at the MAC, preceded by an opening reception at 11 a.m. at the REC Center. There, girls can enjoy interactive stations run by players from the university's 12 women's sports teams, three club sports teams, athletic trainers, and the Erie Shriners Hospital for Children. New this year is the equestrian team, whose members will bring a miniature horse to the event!

Giveaways and a pizza lunch will be provided, thanks to the sponsorship of Connecto Electric, Inc. and Dicks Sporting Goods. After the women's game, fans are encouraged to stay after the game for a free autograph session with the team. 

Mercyhurst's celebration is one of more than 1,000 events taking place across the country for National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which is Feb. 5. Congress has proclaimed this national day each year since 1987.

The day is organized nationally by the Girl Scouts of the USA, Girls Incorporated, National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, the National Women's Law Center and the Women's Sports Foundation.

If interested in attending, pre-registration is appreciated but not required. To pre-register, visit hurstathletics.com.

Tickets for the event are free for girls K-8. Admission for adults to the basketball game is $5 and $3 for seniors, military veterans and active personnel, and first responders. . For more information on this event, please call Bethany Woods at 814-824-2343.