SPRINGFIELD —State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s legislation to create a commission on youth sports under the Department of Human Services has passed the Senate, making it one step closer to becoming law and ensuring that all young people have access to equitable and robust youth sports programs. 

“Currently, the lack of equitable investments in youth sports programs statewide deprive thousands of children of the chance to develop skills and foster friendships with their peers,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “By creating a youth sports commission, we can research and address the inequalities that exist, and develop a strategic plan to make youth sports accessible to kids in every community in our state, regardless of their family’s income.” 

Representing a historically underserved community and families with children who have been overlooked by state investments, Guzmán is passionate about equitable investment, especially in the next generation and programs to help them develop into the best versions of themselves. One such area is youth sports, where young people develop lifelong skills of teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership—as well as forming long-lasting friendships and talent in their sport of choice. Without equal access to youth sports programs, however, many children are robbed of these formative experiences, and can struggle with developing these skills in adulthood. 

House Bill 2418, an initiative of Laureus Sport for Good USA, would create the Commission on Youth Sports. This commission would submit a yearly report regarding its findings, including research and recommendations for how to make youth sports in Illinois more accessible to all young people, and equitably invested in. 

“We are thrilled to see HB2418 move one step closer to becoming law by passing the Senate today,” said Ben Schornack, Director of Sport for Good Chicago for Laureus USA. “Through the passage of this legislation, Illinois continues to lead the way in their investment in a youth sports system that incentivizes access, equity, and youth development.”

"I championed the Youth Sports Commission to ensure that all children in the state of Illinois have equitable access to youth sports programming,” said State Representative Joyce Mason, the House sponsor of the legislation. “I strongly believe that participation in sports improves children’s mental and physical health and gives them tools to better problem solve, work collaboratively, and create lasting friendships and connections."

House Bill 2418 passed the Senate on Thursday.