Thousands joined student-athletes demonstrating in front of the Michigan Capitol building to urge Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to allow students to play winter sports.
"Sports are a lot bigger than just playing," said Brendan Young, a senior basketball player who attended the demonstration. "It's what we all grew up playing and we have all these friendships that we've built through sports and especially being my senior year, I want one last chance to play with my friends and the guys I've been growing up with my whole life. I'm sure all these kids feel the same way."
Young is just one of many student-athletes who have seen their hopes of a winter season put on hold in Michigan, with Whitmer’s latest COVID-19 order banning contact sports such as basketball, hockey, wrestling, and cheer until at least Feb. 21.
At least 2,000 people attended the rally in support of allowing sports to continue, with many of the student-athletes expressing how important having the opportunity to compete is.
