'Let Our Kids Play in PA' rally in Harrisburg to advocate for youth sports

Julie Wagner Burkart never realized how important sports were to her children until the covid-19 pandemic upended their athletic schedules.

Burkart has an 11-year-old son who is involved in football, baseball, basketball and wrestling. Her 13-year-old daughter is a competitive dancer who runs for her school’s cross country and track teams. They attend Wilson Area School District in Easton.

“I always felt it was important to keep my kids busy, but I never appreciated what a space (sports) filled in their lives, physically and mentally,” Burkart said. “When they’re gone, it’s just not the kind of life that kids should be living.”

Burkart and her children were excited for the return of fall sports. She said they were willing to make compromises, such as wearing masks, bringing their own sanitizer and limiting spectators at games. But Gov. Tom Wolf’s recent recommendation to postpone youth sports until 2021 has brought new anxiety.

Burkart decided to do something about it. She and Rachelle Ratajczak Gibbs — another parent supporting youth sports this fall — are co-sponsoring a rally, “Let Our Kids Play in PA,” at the Capitol in Harrisburg on Aug. 20.

The goal, Burkart said, is “for the governor to retract his recommendation” on postponing youth sports until January. She said the decision should be left up to athletes’ parents and organizations such as the PIAA.

“Every location is different — what fits in Philadelphia doesn’t necessarily fit my community,” she said. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Why put a halt to everyone if there are workable solutions? We feel there are ways to congregate safely.”

Burkart said the event will be held on the Capitol building’s front steps. Speakers are scheduled to begin talking at 11 a.m.

Attendees are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. They’re also encouraged to wear their student athletes’ jerseys, bring signs and invite the athletes to come along.

Burkart launched a Facebook page to promote the event, which she estimates could bring about 1,000 people. She said she’s working with several state senators and medical professionals who are interested in speaking at the event.

The date was chosen because it’s the day before PIAA is set to reconvene to further discuss their plans for fall sports.

Burkart said her kids need sports for their mental and physical health and to promote socialization, discipline, teamwork and leadership.

“Normally, we’ve had a good, well-balanced life for these kids, but this is becoming really difficult,” she said. “The level of anxiety over being so socially distanced from friends and activities they love — it’s been mounting here in my house.”

Burkart said she’s had support from parents and student-athletes across the state.

“It’s a great thing when you have parents who are willing to become a part of the conversation and be heard,” she said.

John Rooney started a Twitter page called Let Them Play PA in support of student athletes like his son, a senior at St. Joseph’s Prep School in Philadelphia who wants to enjoy his last high school football season. Last week, Rooney had considered hosting a rally himself. When he saw others had already started organizing one, he used his Twitter platform to endorse the event. He’s directing the 850 followers on the Let Them Play PA Twitter page to join the rally.

In a Tweet, he said, “We need 1000s to show up. PLEASE don’t let the kids down! Let’s do this!”