It’s been an unusual spring for all of us, and especially so for families involved in youth sports. Instead of hearing the crack of the bat or goals being scored, fields sit quiet as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this month’s 12 on 12 Digital Original, Eyewitness Sports Director Yianni Kourakis talks to athletes, coaches and organizers about the disappointment of not being able to play, as well as what the future might hold.
Video: Youth Sports Sidelined | Update: Youth Sports to Return | Parent Survey | WPRI Backyard Circuit Challenge | Links and Resources
Youth Sports Sidelined
New: Youth Sports to Return in RI
In her daily COVID-19 briefing on Thursday, May 28, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced that youth sports can resume when the state moves to Phase 2 on Monday, June 1.
Games and practices must consist of “stable groups” of 15 kids or fewer, she said, and league play and tournaments won’t be allowed at first to prevent different groups from mixing together. Raimondo said she hopes to allow for that in Phase 3, which wouldn’t be until at least July.
Youth Sports Sidelined: Parent Survey
Backyard Circuit Challenge
Organized sports may be canceled right now but we still want to see some action!
Using #WPRIBackyardCircuit on social media, post a video of you and your family doing a series of sporting activities in your backyard or driveway.
You can also submit videos by emailing sports@wpri.com or through ReportIt!
Links and Resources
RI Interscholastic League | Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association | CDC: Heads Up on Youth Sports
CREDITS
Executive Producer/Reporter/Editor – Yianni Kourakis
Chief Photojournalist/Editor – J.P. Smollins
Graphic Designer – Jess Bradley
Digital Content Producers – Nick Blair, Lee Dooley & Shaun Towne
Special Thanks – James Bartone, Susan Tracy-Durant, Karen Rezendes
