Dupage Policy Journal

On the heels of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s five-phase plan to reopen Illinois, which effectively keeps the suburbs closed and youth sports on hold, Republican congressional candidate Jeanne Ives has begun a petition to demand that Pritzker allow youngsters to play sports this summer. 

She posted a link to the petition and a news release on her campaign Facebook page on May 8.  

The news release notes that although studies have shown children are not the main transmitters of the virus and there have been very few cases of coronavirus diagnosed in kids, the data does not support keeping them from taking part in outdoor activities as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Now families, schools and communities are faced with a great deal of uncertainty in the wake of the COVID shutdown," said Ives who used to coach middle school cross country. "It is more important than ever that our kids are able to have fun, belong to a group, gain recognition and develop the team building, problem-solving and physical skills that come with playing a sport. These are voluntary activities. No one has to participate. 

“And it would not be hard to implement social distancing measures in many outdoor sports. Our kids have been cut off from the schools, friends and activities they love. They are suffering too because of this shut down. Let’s give them some normalcy and fun where we can. Outdoor sports are a great place to start.”

Ives is running to represent Illinois’ Sixth Congressional District, which includes parts of Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane and McHenry counties.

“The idea that one man is going to make these decisions for every child and family in the state is wrong,” Ives said. “As a mother of five and a former middle school cross country coach, I know how important sports and activities are to the mental and physical well-being of children and teens.”

View the petition here: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5590507/Support-Youth-Sports