Tony Wied: “I rise today to celebrate a movement that is transforming the landscape of youth sports across America: girls' flag…”

“I rise today to celebrate a movement that is transforming the landscape of youth sports across America: girls' flag football. Recently, Chloe Cronin, a student at Appleton North High School, reached out to my office to share a petition she started, calling on the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association to recognize girls' flag football as a sanctioned sport. At Appleton North High School and across the Fox cities, girls are suiting up for flag football, not just for the love of the game, but to claim their rightful place on the field. Though currently recognized only as a club sport, these athletes are showing grit, leadership, and talent. Today, over 17 States have sanctioned girls' flag football as a varsity sport, and countless others are piloting programs that give young women the chance to compete, lead, and thrive on the field. With support growing nationwide, from college scholarships to NFL partnerships, States like Florida and Georgia have already made girls' flag football a varsity sport. Wisconsin should be next. These young women deserve the same opportunities, resources, and recognition as their peers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this momentum and ensure every girl has the chance to chase greatness one flag at a time.”