World Sport Chicago Hosts Event with Olympians and Students
(photo gallery)
Though the campaign for the 2016 Olympics in Chicago fell short of bringing the games to Chicago, the Olympic spirit is still alive and well in Chicago. World Sport Chicago, Olympians from past games and students from Chicago gathered at North Ave. beach on June 21to celebrate World Olympic Day, a day honoring all those who have participated in past Olympic and Paralympic games and to encourage children today to participate in sports and become the athletes of tomorrow. In addition, the Illinois Governor Pat Quinn gave a proclamation that June 21 would mark World Olympic Day in Illinois.
World Sport Chicago helps make young athletes’ dreams come true on and off the field by enabling area youth to play sports ands pursue college via a scholarship program. According to USOC CEO Scott Blackmun, “The USOC would like to recognize the City of Chicago for its tremendous support of Olympic Day 2011. Through the great efforts of community leaders and youth organizations across the country, Olympic Day was celebrated at more than 350 events this year, helping us spread the Olympic ideals and values to countless young people. The City of Chicago is making a lasting contribution to spread Olympism, improve the communities we live in today, and inspire the champions of tomorrow.”
The following Olympians were part of the celebration: Bob Beamon, Long Jump (1968) – Former World Record Holder, US Olympic HOF, Michael Conley, Triple Jump (1984, 1992, 1996) – Father of NBA Star Mike Conley Jr., John Kinsella, Swimming (1972) – Gold Medalist, William Scherr, Wrestling (1988), Diane Bundy Simpson, Rhytmic Gymnastics (1988), Bob Berland, Judo (1984, 1988), Chuck Burke, Speedskating (1952, 1956), Larry Langowski, Wrestling (2008), Michael McCahey, Fencing (1984), Lee Roy Murphy, Boxing (1980), Jeff Smoke, Canoe/Kayak (2008), Bela Szabados, Swimming (1992, 1996, 2000 Hungary), Diana Williams Muhammad Athletics (1980, 1984), Stephanie Miller, Achery (2008), Ron Urick, Canoe (1988), Danell “Doc” Nicholson, Boxing (1992), Craig Virgin, Athletics (1976, 1980, 1984), Tony Brooks, Rowing (1972, 1976), Twila Majkowski, Cross Country Skiing (1976) and Nancy Swider-Peltz, Jr. (Speedskating, 2010) who is training for Sochi 2012.
“It was an honor to have all these elite Olympic athletes come together in Chicago for such a worthy investment and for Governor Pat Quinn to give a proclamation that June 21 is World Olympic Day,” said William Scherr, President of World Sport Chicago and Olympic Wrestler. “Fulfilling my Olympic dream in 1988 was one of the crowning achievements of my life and to have the opportunity to help today’s kids achieve their own dreams through the World Sport Chicago is something I’m so proud to be a part of.”
The event was hosted by World Sport Chicago and the Midwest Chapter of Olympians and Paralympians. Bill Scherr and Bob Berland, WSC Board Members, and Diane Simpson-Bundy, President of the MWCOP, will be hosts for the event.
For more information on World Sport Chicago, please visit www.worldsportchicago.org.
All Photos Below Provided Courtesy of Bob Milkovich