News Release
Olympic and Paralympic Athletes Participate in Sport Demonstrations with Youth on Capitol Hill
United States Congress passes resolutions in support of Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Games
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 29, 2009)—Today, Chicago 2016 and World Sport Chicago were joined by members of Congress, Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and representatives from the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) on Capitol Hill for a day of sport demonstrations for youth. Additionally, both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate recently passed resolutions supporting Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Today’s event demonstrates that support and raises awareness and support for youth sport programs across the United States.
“We appreciate the federal government’s support for our bid and we hope to have the honor of hosting the world in 2016 and welcoming the Games back to the United States,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. “Today’s event is a prime example of how the values and ideals that the Olympic Movement promotes can be shared with youth in a fun and interactive way and we look forward to reaching more children to introduce them to sport as a result of our bid for the Games.”
The event took place on Capitol Hill at Lower D Park, South of the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. In addition to demonstrating Olympic and Paralympic sports like taekwondo, wrestling, soccer, fencing and Paralympic judo, the event featured a brief program with members of Congress from the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, including Congressman Mike McIntyre (NC), Founder and Co-Chairman, Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports; Congressman Jim Jordan (OH); and Congressman John Shimkus (IL).
“Today’s event in Washington D.C. was an important opportunity for Chicago 2016 and World Sport Chicago to interact with youth and introduce them to Olympic and Paralympic sport,” said Bill Scherr, chairman of World Sport Chicago and director of sport for Chicago 2016. “The national support for Chicago’s bid allows us to continue our commitment to youth sport programs and bring world-class athletes to meet with and inspire youth from across the country.”
Olympians and Paralympians demonstrating sports to the youth included Bart Conner, two-time Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics; Tim Morehouse, Olympian in fencing; Arlene Limas, Olympian in taekwondo; Nathaniel Mills, three-time Olympian in speed skating; Bill Scherr, Olympian in wrestling; Melissa Merson, Olympian in triathlon; Ryan Reser, Paralympian in judo; Myles Porter, Paralympian in judo; Ann Cody, Paralympian in track and field and basketball.
“Seeing the impact of today’s Olympic and Paralympic sport demonstrations on the kids that attended makes the prospect of the Games in Chicago very exciting. Having such widespread support also shows how, across the country, we continue to come together in support of the United States’ Olympic bid,” said Mills.
Event photos will be available upon request to Lauren Cozzi:
Lauren.Cozzi@hillandknowlton.com, +1.202.944.5108 (direct) and +1.203.858.5292 (cell)
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About Chicago 2016
Chicago 2016 is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago. The committee’s board consists of business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as the organization’s chairman and CEO.
About World Sport Chicago
World Sport Chicago (WSC) is a 501(c)(3) corporation working to enhance the image, awareness and participation in Olympic sports across Chicago and to extend Chicago’s international outreach through and for sport and youth. Focused on promoting the development of recreational and competitive sport to the area’s youth, WSC works closely with Chicago 2016 and Chicago’s 2016’s Athlete Advisory Council (AAC) to provide sport expertise and athlete insight to the execution of these sporting events. WSC intends to aid Chicago in developing a sustainable, international sporting legacy as a real agent of social change for the city. William Scherr, an Olympic medalist in wrestling, is chairman of the board and Scott Myers serves as the executive director.
Contacts:
Lauren Cozzi, Hill & Knowlton for Chicago 2016
+1.202.944.5108 (direct) and +1.203.858.5292 (cell)
Lauren.Cozzi@hillandknowlton.com
Chicago 2016 Media Line
+1.312.861.4826
media@chicago2016.org