The second phase of lifting pandemic stay-home orders in Oregon extends a prohibition on contact sports for young people. So barring the creation of a vaccine or a cure for COVID-19, football and basketball and other sports might not happen for the foreseeable future.
That is a step too far into restrictions for some students, their parents, and coaches. "Let Them Play in Oregon" urges like-minded Oregonians to contact the governor and state legislators, requesting the resumption of sports programs.
Campaign supporters point to the need for structure and physical activity in young lives, and evidence that COVID-19 is far less lethal in children.
We hear the case in favor of sports from Jackson County Commissioner Rick Dyer, North Medford High School Assistant Football Coach Jim Bosworth, and Ashland parent Lucy McLennan, whose daughter Mariah, also a guest, plays football and softball.