State Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C – Schenevus) today called on Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health to enact health and safety guidelines to allow for the resumption of high school sports and the performing arts.
Senator Peter Oberacker said, “Our students have been diligently sacrificing for the better part of a year and have missed out on so many aspects of education including extracurricular activities. Safety is everyone’s top priority and we cannot take shortcuts when it comes to the health and well-being of our young people. However, it is time to move forward and safely restart our school athletic programs, for all sports, and the performing arts.”
In a letter to Governor Cuomo, Senator Oberacker writes:
“Unfortunately, time honored traditions like a Friday night basketball game, the winter band concert, and so many other memorable events have been put on indefinite pause due to the COVID pandemic. While other states are currently playing winter sports or planning to restart, New York remains in a perpetual timeout. Likewise, our high school stages remain dark and band rooms silent
“The time has passed to end the isolation and implement guidelines to safely resume the extracurricular activities that are an essential part of the student experience. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have released guidance that can serve as a blueprint for New York to follow and build on. Students, parents, coaches, and school administrators are ready, willing and able to strictly follow all needed health measures.”
Winter sports classified as high-risk, including basketball, hockey, wrestling and cheerleading, were scheduled to resume competition on January 4th. At this time, teams are permitted to practice but forbidden to compete against other schools. Additionally, while schools have reopened, musical and theatrical activities remain on pause.
“As a former high school athlete and coach I cannot imagine what it is like for students to miss out on a season of sports – especially for the seniors. The same holds true for those who are unable to take the stage and showcase their talents. We need to reward our students for the hard work and sacrifice they are displaying and we can start by letting them play,” Oberacker concluded.
Senator Oberacker has also initiated an online petition through his website, oberacker.nysenate.gov, to help raise awareness and generate public support. The full link: https://www.nysenate.gov/petitions/peter-oberacker/let-them-play-petition.
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