Senator Atkins Responds to Calls for Reopening of Youth Sports

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement regarding calls to reopen youth sports:

“I want kids to get back to playing sports because I know just how important it was for me in my early life. It got me through rough times as a young person. Basketball was my passion growing up poor in Southwest Virginia. It gave me focus and an outlet. I’ve been engaged deeply between the legislative houses and with the Governor, trying to negotiate re-opening schools to focus on academics and for many, the loss of learning and achievement gap. Getting kids back on the playing field also is important because it provides foundational life skills. And as with a safe return to school, it needs to be done under the guidance of public health officials. I have repeatedly told the Governor’s office that a safe return to sports is critical for our communities, and I will continue to press the urgency of this issue. I know it’s important. I hear the concerns, and I understand.”

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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins