CHICAGO 2016 AND WORLD SPORT CHICAGO LAUNCH ATHLETE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Olympians and Paralympians connect with youth across the US

CHICAGO (September 8, 2009)— Chicago 2016 and its legacy organization, World Sport Chicago (WSC), announced today a new outreach program aimed at spreading the values and ideals of the Olympic Movement to youth within the United States.  The Athlete Ambassador Program is a program that pairs Olympic and Paralympic athletes with children and youth sport organizations.  Kids across the nation will have the unique opportunity to meet America’s most elite competitors, hear their stories and get health and training tips through sport clinics. 

“Bringing these accomplished sports figures into the lives of our country’s youth is a true motivator for success,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016.  “Using sport as a common interest, this model builds a relationship between athlete and child that encourages friendship and personal growth. World Sport Chicago continues to foster positive sports programs, and to date has reached more than 30,000 children in Chicago alone through its many initiatives.”

The Athlete Ambassador Program will build a community of Olympians and Paralympians around the country, enabling them to give back to the Olympic Movement by engaging youth in sport activities.  Integrating with the US Olympians Association, the Athlete Ambassador Program will link sports groups to Olympians and Paralympians.

By bringing athletes and children together face-to-face, and also by integrating new media and social networking tools, the Athlete Ambassador Program will allow for connections at many times and in many places.  The goal of the Program is to interact with as many as 500,000 kids each year in person and millions more via the internet to help them develop a love for sport and strengthen their abilities.

“Chicago 2016 has truly committed to leaving a legacy and spreading the Olympic Movement to as many as possible,” said gold medalist Bart Connor, who will serve as director of the program.  “The accomplishments of my fellow athletes are inspiring in themselves, but reaching out to children one-on-one has the greatest impact.  We hope to inspire them to achieve their own dreams.”

The lack of opportunities for sport and positive recreational activities in urban communities is a key issue for WSC.  Through the Athlete Ambassador Program, WSC will bring new resources to disadvantaged youth.  Strong role models and high quality coaching provide younger generations the assistance they need to increase their participation in sports and develop key life skills.

“Not every kid can be an Olympic champion, but every child can be a winner by finding a sport they are interested in and that helps them learn the values and ideals of the Olympic Movement that can benefit them in all facets of their lives. The Athlete Ambassador Program will help kids do just that, and it is why I am involved in the program,” said Micki King, Olympic gold medalist in diving.

“These athletes have shown great skill in their field of play, but their commitment, passion and discipline transcend their sport,” said Bill Scherr, chairman of World Sport Chicago. “Their experiences are full of valuable life lessons and we look forward to matching athletes with young athletes who can benefit from one-on-one clinics, talks and interactions through the internet.”

World Sport Chicago is the living legacy of Chicago’s 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Bid. Its mission is to enhance the image, awareness, participation and engagement in Olympic and Paralympic sport. Through the Athlete Ambassador Program, WSC is making it easier than ever for Olympians and Paralympians to connect with and inspire youth.