‘Let Our Kids Play’ Rally In Harrisburg

August 20, 2020 4:14 am

HARRISBURG, Pa. — (WPXI) – Two days away from a decision by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association regarding fall sports, parents and student athletes are going to Harrisburg to make sure the governor knows how they feel.  Football players are preparing to take the field in a few weeks for their first game, but the fate of fall sports is still unknown. The PIAA’s decision could jeopardize college opportunities for seniors hoping for scholarships based off this 2020 season.  “It’s a big year because, I mean, we need to be able to get film to be able to send to these coaches,” said North Allegheny senior Braden Frank.  Julie Burkart, a mother whose two children are both student athletes in Allentown, organized a “Let our kids play in PA” rally that will be held in Harrisburg on Thursday. It will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  “I think being there on the steps of the capital is somewhat symbolic, and the number of people willing to join me from all over the state is certainly a very good visual and shows the kind of support this issue has,” Burkart said.  PIAA officials and Gov. Tom Wolf’s office have gone back and forth on the issue of playing or postponing fall sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wolf recommended postponing sports until at least January 2021.