Alabama’s female athletes will have a day of recognition Saturday, Oct. 10, as Gov. Kay Ivey has proclaimed the date Alabama Girls in Sports Day.

The designation celebrates women’s and girls’ accomplishments in sports while reaffirming the governor’s commitment to protecting their opportunities to participate and compete.

“Alabama sets the standard when it comes to protecting girls’ sports,” said Governor Ivey. “In Alabama, we recognize that there are fundamental biological differences between males and females. We know if the Good Lord made you a boy, you are a boy, and if He made you a girl, you are a girl. We will continue standing up for the opportunity for girls to compete fairly and safely.”

The governor’s office pointed to two laws enacted during Ivey’s administration as part of that effort.

House Bill 391 established protections for female student-athletes in Alabama’s public K-12 schools in 2021.

House Bill 261 extended those protections to public two-year and four-year colleges and universities in 2023.

The date also carries a symbolic meaning. According to the governor’s office, Oct. 10 represents the Roman numerals “XX,” a reference to the two X chromosomes characteristic of the female sex.

The proclamation recognizes Title IX’s role in expanding opportunities for female athletes and honors women’s contributions throughout sports history.

Along with celebrating those accomplishments, Alabama Girls in Sports Day is intended to inspire the next generation of girls to take part in sports.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].