World Sport Chicago 2010 Winter Olympic Kick-Off

By Paul Slomski, WSC Contributor

On Thursday, February 11, World Sport Chicago and the Chicago Cubs hosted a Winter Olympics Kick-Off and Youth Sport Event at the Rink at Wrigley, providing kids of all ages the opportunity to watch and experience a variety of Olympic and Paralmypic sports.

Local singer Johnny Vincent kicked off the event and warmed up the crowd with a stirring rendition of the national anthem that was followed by three sport demonstrations on the ice.  Members of the RIC Blackhawks Sled Hockey Team and Hall of Fame inductee Patrick Byrne went first, giving the crowd a fast-paced and physical demonstration of a game that first became a medal sport at the 1994 Lillehammer Paralympic Games.  Next up were two members of the Franklin Park Speedskating Club and national champions Melissa Dziadosz, a sophomore at East Leyden High School and Emery Lehman, an 8^th grader from Oak Park.  Both skaters took laps around the track, showing the crowd the speedskating techniques, while Bruce Connor, speedskating World Masters record holder narrated the demonstration, providing background on the sport, equipment and local athletes who have competed.

The last demonstration of the night was figure skating,Ann Marie Shipstad of Ice Reach narrated while Jordan Moeller, a 14 year-old skater from Northern Ice Skating Club wowed the crowd with a close-up and personal look at the athletic and graceful moves of figure skating.  In addition to the demonstrations, a number of local Olympic and Paralympic athletes were on hand to mingle with the crowd and provide autographs, including judoka Bob Burland, canoer Ron Urick, wrestler Bill Scherr, swimmer David Sims, boxers Doc Nicholson and David Diaz.

The inaugural 2010 WSC Scholars were also invited guests, providing them with a chance to meet one another and begin their role as WSC ambassadors.  Afterwards, the rink was opened up for a free skate and children and adults alike hit the ice for some fun.  The Rink at Wrigley will remain open through February.