WEST PALM BEACH – Peyton Mainolfi and Dominic Janiszewski joined forces to represent all high school athletes in Palm Beach County yesterday afternoon (Aug. 27).
They were among 10-15 people in protest mode right outside the School District of Palm Beach County building on Forest Hill Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The group of individuals held up an assortment of signs that were meant to represent the right for the area’s high school athletes to play sports.
Mainolfi explained the purpose of this event, which was actually conceptualized less than a week ago by both he and Janiszewski.
“I know it’s a tough time for some, but we wanted to make sure to be seen and heard during business hours by the district,” the Royal Palm Beach senior quarterback said. “I can’t be a captain and team leader if I don’t help fight for my
team on and off the field.”
The protest event was entitled #LetUsPlayPBC. It was created by athletes (Mainfoli and Janiszewski) for athletes.
“Well this topic in Palm Beach County has been real quiet and silent, so Peyton and I had to bring it to their attention,” the Seminole Ridge senior defensive end said.
“Well for starters, many athletes depend on high school sports to get into a college,” he continued. “As you already know, all of the games are filmed and us players create highlight films to get us known and to show college recruiters that we know how to play the sport of football. Along with that, many athletes depend on sports to keep them in shape. Without practices and games, many athletes are beginning to get lazy and out of shape, which is why we need to let the district know that we need to get back on the field.”
Janiszewski had more to say about this matter.
“In addition to all of this, a team is a very important part in many peoples lives,” Janiszewski said. “A team is more than a bunch of friends, but a family who unite with one another. We help each other through tough times, and make one another a better player and a better person. Without sports this year, us athletes lose the ability to come together as a team.”
Mainolfi could not agree more.
“There’s nothing more exciting than strapping on your shoulder pads and walking out to battle with your brothers under those lights,” Mainolfi said. “For some players it ends when high school is over, and for others it’s an opportunity for a higher level education in college. You learn life lessons in sports that can never be taught in a classroom. Many players are losing hope the longer this plays out without any decisions.”
The School District of Palm Beach County has recently released a statement on the status of fall sports.
“While Palm Beach County is in Phase One, and schools are in distance learning, athletics and extracurricular activities continue to be on hold except in cases where presented virtually,” the statement said. “The District is monitoring and actively evaluating the opportunity to safely begin athletics and extracurricular activities.”
Palm Beach County public schools will officially begin the 2020-2021 school year on Monday, Aug. 31. From then until shortly after Palm Beach County enters Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan, no Palm Beach County brick-and-mortar schools will be open to students, which means that all classes will be held virtually.
Also, until all students can return to in-person class instruction, no teams will be allowed to conduct practices. This has raised the possibility of there being no fall sports for Palm Beach County’s public school teams.
Nonetheless, Mainolfi was happy with the turnout and the message his group sent out.
“We’re motivated,” Mainolfi said. “Many kids across the county are without hope, and many felt no one would even listen to our voices today. Even if it was only a small effort, hopefully it will start more discussion on when we can get back out there.”
PHOTO CREDITS: ESPN Top 63 and Peyton Mainolfi
