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| For Immediate Release Ives Petition Calling On Illinois Governor Pritzker to Allow Participation in Youth Sports this Summer May 8, 2020 — Jeanne Ives, candidate for Congress (IL-06) has begun gathering signaturesfor a petition calling upon Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to allow participation in youth sports over the summer of 2020. The petition comes after Governor Pritzker rolled out a 5-Phase re-open plan that experts say could keep the suburbs shut down for another year. Several studies have shown that children are not among the top transmitters of the virus. And there have been very few cases of coronavirus diagnosed in children. Data does not support the idea that shutting kids out of outdoor activities will prevent the spread of the COVID virus. “The idea that one man is going to make these decisions for every child and family in the state is wrong,” said Ives. “As a mother of 5 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.” “Now, families, schools and communities are faced with a great deal of uncertainty in the wake of the COVID shutdown. 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.” Anyone interested can sign the petition here.  Ives coached Co-Ed Cross Country at St. Michael School in Wheaton for 12 years. Ives participates in the annual Health and Fitness Boot Camp for Kids she ran as a state legislator. ###For more information or to book Jeanne Ives contact Kathleen Murphy at 630-329-4680 or kathleenemurphy26@gmail.com. |
