Up2Us Drives Senator Harkin and Representative McIntyre to Commission Federal Study on the Critical State of Youth Sports

Propelled by Up2Us and its members, Senator Harkin and Congressman McIntyre submitted a request to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for a comprehensive analysis on the state of youth sports. That request has officially been accepted – and represents groundbreaking progress for the field of sports based youth development. The GAO will examine the state of youth sports programs, the impact of sport on youth development, how the Federal Government is or is not providing assistance to these programs, and what additional support can be made available.

More than $3.5 billion has been cut from youth sports programs in the past 2 years. Pay to play schemes, implemented in at least 43 states, are ultimately preventing kids from playing. Senator Harkin explains, “With nearly one of every three American children obese or overweight, it is crucial that we make sure that our kids have every opportunity to get their exercise, including young people with disabilities. Youth sports programs in schools and communities are an important way for children to be active physically.”

This study comes at a critical time, as Paul Caccamo, Executive Director of Up2Us explains: "The options to play sports are dwindling especially in middle class and low income communities. With increasing costs, someday all communities will see sports no longer as a given in their child's development but as an economic burden. This is wrong. We hope that this important study conducted by the GAO is just the initial step in raising awareness about the dire need of youth sports in America.” Rep McIntyre echoes that sentiment: “We must do all we can to make sure that our young people have the opportunity to play organized sports. This report will ensure that our communities, families, and citizens know the opportunities and challenges in participating in youth sports.”

This study has garnered support from Corporate America as well. Nike’s US Director of Government & Public Affairs, Orson Porter states “Nike commends everyone who played an instrumental role in the completion of this valued study. We truly believe that providing access to sport and promoting physical activity will only help our youth live a more productive and healthier life.”