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MAC ON SPORTS: DECATUR SCHOOL DISTRICT 61 SAYS BASKETBALL CAN RESUME

J. Thomas McNamara

    District 61 made the announcement this afternoon (Friday, Jan. 29).

    “We are committed to supporting not only our students’ academic wellness, but also their social and emotional well-being,” said Beth Nolan, Decatur Board of Education President.  “Part of that social well-being is allowing students to take part in sports and activities they love.  We feel we’ve reached a time and have a plan in place that will allow our students to safely resume these activities.”
    Under that plan, athletic practices and other extracurricular activities may resume beginning Monday.  Athletic Directors have developed a comprehensive plan to manage athletic practices, open gym times, and competitive events, all in accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines and best practices.
    All participating students and staff will be required to strictly adhere to all IDPH guidelines at all times, including social distancing, mask wearing, et cetera.  Those guidelines include limiting attendance at all practices and competitive events:
●Spectators are not allowed at any time.
●Student athletes and needed game personnel ONLY (District added the caps for emphasis) will be in the gym during practices and contests.
●Student athletes will be safely spaced within gym during practices and contests.
●Home contests will be streamed via Facebook.
●All IDPH and IHSA health and safety standards will be followed at all times.
    At this time,elementary and middle school sports and activities remain on hold, pendingfinalization of plans for those activities.
    I will have more on this obviously developing story in a future print edition of the Decatur Tribune.

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