Sen. Michael E. Hastings (R-Frankfort) pushed legislation to create the Illinois Armature Sports Commission. | File Photo
Sen. Michael E. Hastings (R-Frankfort) pushed legislation to create the Illinois Armature Sports Commission. | File Photo
State Sen. Michael E. Hastings (R-Frankfort) recently introduced legislation in the Senate State Government Committee that creates the Illinois Amateur Sports Commission Act in an attempt to uphold the state's dedication to amateur athletics.
Senate Bill 1749 would establish the Illinois Amateur Sports Commission to research, study, and make recommendations to the governor and General Assembly on promoting, improving, expanding, and fostering amateur sports throughout the state.
"Students throughout our state saw their athletic development stunted by the COVID-19 pandemic," Hastings said in an April 27 Facebook post, "This commission is simply one way we can begin the work of making up for that lost time, build on our state's historic tradition of athletic success and promote physical fitness for future generations."
The commission's recommendations would focus on encouraging and promoting physical activity through participation in amateur sports programs.
The bill will also prioritize creating local and statewide business opportunities and economic growth related to amateur sports activities, tournaments and events.
Minnesota established a similar organization that has created income from sports tourism and was instrumental in putting together a bid plan for the 2024 Olympic swimming trials, for which Minnesota is currently a finalist.
The bill now heads before the full state Senate for consideration.
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