Candelora, Aresimowicz Support CIAC Decision to Move Forward with Fall High School Sports

Deputy House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora joined Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz today in issuing a statement in support of the CIAC's decision to move ahead with a fall high school sports season. “Sports are integral to the development of kids and are part of the very fabric of adolescent interaction in our schools. School athletics levels the playing field for children of all socioeconomic backgrounds and is critical for students of less means to pursue college opportunities. It’s a door we should not close on these students. We have been running a fully operational, multi-sports complex in North Branford since June 20 when we re-opened under Phase II of the governor’s phase-in approach that has featured thousands of kids. We have seen no outbreaks during this time. Connecticut needs to move ahead with a sensible, but robust, high school sports program when our kids go back to school in September.’’ - Deputy House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford) Candelora also noted that summer camps have been operating for weeks all over Connecticut with no problems reported. "I fully support the CIAC's decision to move ahead with a fall high school sports season and give our kids the chance to compete this school year. We all acknowledge this remains a fluid situation that demands flexibility, yet with the strict safety protocols that are being put in place, combined with the best health statistics and metrics of any state in the country, Connecticut is a place where this can work safely if we all follow the guidelines. It is important to also understand that unlike colleges, where UConn and others have cancelled their seasons, for high schools there is no traveling to other states or out of state teams coming here, and scholastic schedules are regional. Just like on the field, teamwork will make this a successful fall for our student athletes." - Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington) and head football coach at Berlin High School