International Day of the Girl got a big boost in Cornwall Thursday night.
While organizers of the first-ever event in Cornwall were hoping for about 80 people to show up at St. Lawrence High School for events gearded towards young women, nearly double burst through the doors.
Renee Yelle, one of the organizers of the event, as well as program and community development worker for Maison Interlude House, said focusing on young girls with an event like Thursday's provides young girls with a sense of empowerment.
"It's really important to build up their self-esteem at a young age," she said. "We just want to celebrate being a girl and being together."
The dozens of young girls, aged eight to 16, who attended the event were welcomed by Cornwall Olympian Christina Julien who spoke about her experiences at the London Olympics where her Canadian soccer teammates won a bronze medal this summer.
The girls also rotated through various stations throughout the school that touched on topics like healthy eating, music and self-defence.
Yelle said organizers hope the event will become an annual showcase.
