What is NRSFD?
It all began on February 22, 1950 when representatives of 11 Historically Black Colleges met at Dillard University in New Orleans to form the National Intramural Association (NIA), which has since become the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA). To celebrate this historic day and of the benefit of participation in recreational sports, in 1999 the NIRSA proclaimed February 22 to be National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day.
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History of NIRSA
NIRSA is extremely proud of its long history and its many accomplishments. The stage was set in 1950 by Dr. William Wasson, who organized a meeting of twenty African-American men and women intramural directors from eleven Historically Black Colleges (Albany State College, Arkansas A&M College, Bethune-Cookman College, Dillard University, North Carolina College, Southern University, Texas Southern University, Tillotson College, Tuskegee Institute, Wiley College, and Xavier University) at the first Intramural Conference at Dillard University in New Orleans. Participants at the conference formed the National Intramural Association (NIA).
Since then NIRSA, NIA's successor has experienced phenomenal growth. NIRSA's nearly 4,000 members are represented on more than 700 campus and universities, as well as on U.S. military installations, in public park and recreation departments, correctional facilities, not-for-profit organizations, and private enterprise.
The field of recreational sports and participation in sports and fitness activities has also grown tremendously: Nearly 11 million college students use recreational facilities operated by NIRSA's members.
More than 1.1 million intramural contests are scheduled each year.
More than two million individuals participate in collegiate sport clubs.
More than $1.5 billion has recently been expended (or is approved to be spent) to renovate or build new "state-of-the-art" collegiate recreational sports facilities.
Recent achievements highlight the Association's continued growth and prestige:
NIRSA began its 50th anniversary celebration on February 22, 1999 at a reunion at Dillard University in New Orleans.
The NIRSA National Center officially opened its 16,089-sq. ft., $2.2 million facility. (July 10, 1998)
The Association is experiencing record membership growth among all categories; NIRSA Members consist of 700+ Institutions, 2,300 Professional, 800 Student members and 130 Associate Members. (January 2000)
Approximately 2,000 attendees participate in more than 70 educational sessions at NIRSA Annual Conferences & Expositions.
NIRSA's new Recreational Sports Fitness Magazine, a four-color magazine with a circulation of more than 11,000 now publishes eight times a year. (1999)
The NIRSA Foundation (founded in 1993) is focused on scholarship, membership development and research. (2000)
The Association is witnessing increased participation in NIRSA Sport Club Championships (volleyball, soccer, tennis) and Extramural Championships (flag football, fitness & training, basketball). (2000)
The NIRSA Journal continues to report scholarly research. (1999)
Created a handsome new NIRSA "brand" (logo). (1999)
Instituted "NIRSA eFAST NEWS to broadcast emails to members on important timely issues. (1999)
Restructured Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. (1999)
Started the "for-profit" NIRSA Services Corporation. (1999)
Initiated celebration of National Recreational Sports & Fitness Day each February 22. (1999)
Began a new a strategic planning initiative. (1999)
Dr. Kent J. Blumenthal succeeded Will Holsberry as NIRSA's second Executive Director in August. (1997)
NIRSA's award-winning world-class website became a permanent fixture. (1997)
The first Executive Institute took place in Breckenridge, Colorado and the first Facilities Symposium was conducted in Boston. (1990)
Learn more about NIRSA's rich history.
