The Dream that Led to
Mayor Daley's Summer Track Program

By Abby Baird, WSC Contributor

Alderman Cochran had a dream. He wanted to create a program, a track and field program that would engage kids and “help build strong talent.”

Before the Mayor’s Summer Track Program began this summer, Alderman Cochran had been holding track meets all summer for kids in his ward for the past six years, with the final meet ending in a big picnic at his house.

“Track and Field builds endurance and makes people move past any place they have ever been,” Alderman Cochran said. “It gives them the mindset to know they can overcome whatever challenge they encounter. It translates to building the mind to overcome.”

Alderman Cochran wanted to provide the kids of his ward not only with a good workout, but a place where they could go to become better people.

“When you don’t have community role models, programs like this really make a difference,” Alderman Cochran said.

He is extremely excited that his program has now been expanded to include all wards in the city and is grateful to World Sport Chicago and Chicago 2016 for giving him this opportunity.

“My biggest dream is that this will go on for years and some of these kids will eventually compete in the Olympics in 2016,” Alderman Cochran said.  “Hopefully one day we will look back and see some champions come out of this.  Chicago will be able to look back and be proud.”