Orono, Maine -- You're invited to join the University of Maine athletic department in celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day with a week of special festivities, presented by Bangor Savings Bank.

The celebration will begin on Sunday, Jan. 30 at the Cross Insurance Center when the women's basketball team hosts Vermont. Prior to the game, the Black Bears will host an Interactive Sports Fair on the court level of the Cross Insurance Center at 11 a.m. Representatives from UMaine's 17 varsity programs, along with additional UMaine Club Team representatives and local athletics attractions, will be on hand to offer youth the opportunity to participate in several drills from a variety of different sports and competitive events.

All families who RSVP for the Interactive Sports Fair are eligible for complimentary tickets to attend the UMaine women's basketball game vs. Vermont on Sunday, Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. A ticket will grant access to the Interactive Sports Fair and the UMaine women's basketball game vs. Vermont. For more information, please contact the UMaine Athletic ticket office by phone at 207.581.BEAR or by e-mail at um.tickets@maine.edu.

The celebration continues on Saturday, Feb. 5 when the women's ice hockey team hosts Vermont at Alfond Arena at 2 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come and cheer on the Black Bears as they take on the Catamounts and stick around for a special postgame 'Skate with the Black Bears' and autograph session!

Throughout the month of February, the University of Maine community comes together with the support of the Maine Sports Commission to celebrate the achievements of girls and women in sports. We believe that participation in sports at all ages builds courage, strength, and character and provides women with the confidence and tools to become the leaders of tomorrow.

During this month, we ask that you help us celebrate our women in sport by considering a donation to your favorite women's program at UMaine! To make a gift, please visit our.umaine.edu/gwsgen. We thank you for your support of Maine Athletics!

Schedule of events:

Sunday, Jan. 30 - Interactive Sports Fair (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Sunday, Jan. 30 - Women's Basketball vs. Vermont (1 p.m.)

Saturday, Feb. 5 - Women's Ice Hockey vs. Vermont (2 p.m.)

Saturday, Feb. 5 - Women's Ice Hockey postgame skate and autograph session (Approx. 4:30 p.m.)

-UMaine-