2010 City Wide Championships
Mayor Daley’s Summer Track Program Grand Finale
By Paul Slomski, WSC Contributor
The sun shined bright and hot over Hanson Stadium, Saturday, August 7, as more that 330 boys and girls (age 14 and under) from Mayor Daley’s Summer Track Program competed in the culminating 2010 City Wide Championship Track Meet. Events took place all over the stadium, including a standing long jump competition in the sand pit, softball throw on the field and sprints/relays on the track.
 The meet got underway with a Parade of Athletes around the track that included hundreds of kids, coaches and city alderman. Teams, organized by Ward, showed pride for their neighborhood and the hard work they put in this summer training and competing. Dr. Conrad Worrill, Co-Founder of the Chicago-based Friends of Track and Field, welcomed everyone, emphasizing the great strides the program made in its second year. Dr. Worrill, a product of CPS and great prep athlete in his own right, was instrumental in getting the program started by approaching Mayor Daley, asking him to revive the event which had been a tradition of his father’s Mayor Daley Youth Foundation. “We wanted to bring track back to the youngsters in Chicago, because a lot of little people don’t realize how far track and field can take them,” said Dr. Worrill, “Chicago Public Schools have produced some great track athletes, we can do that again by exposing these kids to the sport at an early age.”
Yakira, 13, from South Loop Elementary School smoked her field in the 100 yard dash, when asked what made her so fast, she responded, “my focus, I don’t look back!” All in all, more than 120 medals were awarded to the top finishers in each event. Photos and and results from the event can be found at http://www.worldsportchicago.org/summer-track-program.aspx.
  Community-based coaches held practices throughout the sweltering summer in their various city Wards, teaching kids the proper techniques, form and conditioning necessary to compete and excel in the various events. Aisha Gray, a P.E. Coach at Longwood Academy and the 16th Ward’s head coach, held practice Monday thru Thursday from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. ‘I think kids learned the importance of being on time, discipline, commitment and following directions,” said Gray, “I think we built their character and improved their ability.”
 Kolbi, 11, from Mark Sheridan Math & Science Academy, was grateful for something to do this summer and believes “running is the best way to express your energy.” Mayor Daley’s Summer Track Program is designed to engage Chicago youth in a fun, active, safe and competitive environment in the sport of track and field, providing basic training in the events and opportunities for fun and rewarding competition. Mayor Daley’s Summer Track Program participation increased 33% in its second year, is free for all participants and is organized in partnership by World Sport Chicago, Friends of Track & Field, City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, USA Track & Field Illinois as well as support from the Chicago track and field community at large.
The summer track program and its meets could not be possible without the many dedicated and hard-working coaches, volunteer assistant coaches, officials, time-keepers and workers throughout the Wards and associated with World Sport Chicago. |