SPRINGFIELD —Under an initiative led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán that was signed into law on Aug. 15, the state will develop a commission on youth sports under the Department of Human Services, intended to develop a strategic plan to ensure that all young people have access to equitable and robust youth sports programs.

“Young people should not have a different experience in their sports programs due to lack of funding, which can leave thousands deprived from being able to foster friendships with peers, or being able to reach their full athletic potential,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “The youth sports commission will help address the inequalities that exist through researching the state’s current programs and working to make youth sports accessible to kids in every community in our state, regardless of their family’s income or existing community resources.”

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, creates the Commission on Youth Sports. This commission is required to 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 extremely grateful to the Illinois Legislature, Governor Pritzker, and the many parents, coaches, and organizations that worked together to establish the country’s first Youth Sports Commission focused on quality, access, and equity in sports”, said Ben Schornack, the Director of Laureus Sport for Good USA. “25 years ago, President Mandela inspired the founding of Laureus with the words that ‘Sport has the power to change the world.’ The establishment of this Commission, along with the nearly $15M in funding provided for sports-based youth development initiatives, recognizes this power and reinforce that sport is one of the most important tools we have at our disposal to create a better state and society.”

House Bill 2418 was signed into law on Aug. 15.