HAYWARD, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay Athletics Department has partnered with the Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative (BAWSI) and the San Francisco 49ers Foundation to host Dads and Daughters Day at the women's basketball game on Jan. 19. Former 49er Brent Jones will speak at the pre-game gathering of dads and daughters and entire families are welcome to attend.

“It is an honor to be involved in the Dads and Daughters program,” Jones said. “There is nothing more rewarding than playing an integral part in helping to build your daughter's confidence and strong self esteem.  The Dads and Daughters program, with the focus on role models in women's sports, has given my girls the opportunity to dream, play and achieve – all while sharing a passion with their Dad – sports!"

BAWSI's programs create avenues for women athletes to make a positive difference in their communities. Dads and Daughters is an initiative to encourage dads to take their daughters to see female athletes compete as a way to inspire girls to play sports, go to college, and achieve their goals. Led by Jones, a BAWSI spokesman, the Dads and Daughters program provides organized activities and group seating at local women's sports events.

“The Pioneers are thankful to be part of the BAWSI network in the Bay Area,” Assistant Athletics Director Dawn Ellerbe said. “Hosting the Dads and Daughters event means so much to our campus. Cal State East Bay strives to be a consistent and active member of our local community and to provide our student-athletes with opportunities to be positive role models. The Dads and Daughters event is a great platform to encourage relationships, physical fitness and community.”

The Cal State East Bay Dads and Daughters event begins at 4:30 p.m. starting with a Meet-and-Greet and a Question and Answer session with Brent Jones at the University Theater. The event will then move to Pioneer Gym for the Pioneer women's basketball game vs. UC San Diego at 5:30 p.m. Tickets to the event are $10 and include admission for two to the Meet-and-Greet as well as the Pioneer basketball doubleheader vs. UC San Diego. Additional tickets to the event can be purchased for $1.

Although the event is named Dads and Daughters all parents are welcome to attend. The event is open to the public, but requires an RSVP by Jan. 16. To RSVP or for more information please contact Dawn Ellerbe at dawn.ellerbe@csueastbay.edu. Campus parking permits are $5 and parking is enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week.