Laureus USA Leads the Establishment of the Illinois Youth Sports Commission 

On August 15th, 2025, Governor J. B. Pritzker signed into law the Illinois Youth Sports Commission, creating the first statewide commission in the nation focused on quality, access, and equity in youth sports. This milestone reflects sustained leadership and advocacy by Laureus Sport for Good USA in partnership with State Representative Joyce Mason and State Senator Graciela Guzmán.  

After an outpouring of support from organizations, coaches, and parents, legislation passed the Illinois House unanimously and passed the Senate with bipartisan support during the Legislative Session this Spring. This broad backing underscores a shared belief that sport strengthens health, learning, and community. The Commission will study current conditions, identify barriers to participation, and recommend policies and investments that expand safe, high quality, developmentally appropriate opportunities for every child, regardless of neighborhood or family income. 

Coupled with nearly 15 million dollars in State investments over the last four years for sports-based youth development grants to Illinois programs via Laureus USA, this Commission furthers Illinois’ commitment to leveraging the power of sport for the good of young people and communities. Laureus USA helped convene partners, align stakeholders, and elevate community voices to make this progress possible. 

“We are extremely grateful to the Illinois Legislature, Governor Pritzker, and the many parents, coaches, and organizations that worked together to establish the country’s first Youth Sports Commission focused on quality, access, and equity in sports,” said Ben Schornack, Director of Sport for Good Chicago at Laureus USA. “25 years ago, President Mandela inspired the founding of Laureus with the words that ‘Sport has the power to change the world.’ The establishment of this Commission recognizes this power and reinforces that sport is one of the most important tools we have at our disposal to create a better state and society.” 

“I championed the Youth Sports Commission to ensure that all children in the state of Illinois have equitable access to youth sports programming,” said State Representative Joyce Mason, the House sponsor of the legislation. “I strongly believe that participation in sports improves children’s mental and physical health and gives them tools to better problem solve, work collaboratively, and create lasting friendships and connections.” 

“Currently, the lack of equitable investments in youth sports programs statewide deprive thousands of children of the chance to develop skills and foster friendships with their peers,” said Senator Graciela Guzmán. “By creating a youth sports commission, we can research and address the inequalities that exist and develop a strategic plan to make youth sports accessible to kids in every community in our state, regardless of their family’s income.” 

With this new Commission and sustained investment, Illinois signals to the nation that sport is not just extracurricular but is an essential public good. Laureus USA is proud to have partnered with leaders across the state and looks forward to supporting the Commission’s work so every young person in Illinois can play, grow, and thrive.