Joining her voice with those of countless 47th District constituents, as well as state and federal lawmakers, Senator Jil Tracy sent a letter to Governor J.B. Pritzker January 25 to ask that school sports be allowed to resume throughout Illinois.

“School sports are a vital part of the social fabric of many of our communities. Our school sports help develop our students’ mental and physical wellbeing, and teach the athletes many valuable life skills. For many young people, school sports are a stepping stone to higher education and other career opportunities once they complete their public education,” Senator Tracy stated in the letter. “And school sports bring together our communities – the fans in the bleachers, the student body, the band and the participating athletes.”

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is expected to meet January 27 to discuss the status of athletics for the remainder of the school year.

“I urge you to authorize the resumption of all sports and allow IHSA to set the schedules. These sports can be resumed in a safe and responsible manner for those who choose to participate,” Senator Tracy wrote to the Governor.

The 47th District is close to the Iowa and Missouri borders. Other regions of Illinois are close to the borders of Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Kentucky.

“Illinois students are traveling to these states to play sports. Some have even moved to these states to play sports. It seems far safer and expedient for Illinois to allow these students to play their chosen sports in our state. Our schools that are teaching in person have proven that they can do so in a safe manner. Likewise, sports should be allowed to operate in a safe manner,” Senator Tracy stated.

“When COVID-19 first started its terrible journey in Illinois, we understood the need to stay at home, to flatten the curve and to do what we could to protect our healthcare system from being overwhelmed. Now more than 10 months into this pandemic, our local businesses, residents and communities have worked hard to implement and follow realistic health and safety protocols. They have many strong incentives to operate safely – the health and well-being of their customers, employees, families and friends, as well as their livelihoods, their jobs and the well-being of their communities,” Senator Tracy stated. “Trust them to know what is best for their communities. Let the IHSA make the decision about winter and spring sports. Please give our students the options to play sports again in Illinois.”