News Release
Chicago 2016 Expands Urban Youth Sport Initiative to Five U.S. Cities
U.S. Conference of Mayors supports urban sport pilot programs
CHICAGO (June 16, 2009)—Working with the U.S. Conference of Mayors Olympic Task Force, Chicago 2016 is promoting the Olympic Movement and the importance of youth sport throughout the country. The U.S. Conference of Mayors passed a resolution this weekend supporting World Sport Chicago’s Urban Youth Sport Initiative. In addition, five cities agreed to work with World Sport Chicago in this effort to increase the involvement of urban youth in sport.
World Sport Chicago, the legacy organization created as part of Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has already reached more than 20,000 youth through its efforts over the last three years. The cities that have signed up to be part of the program will work with World Sport Chicago to replicate Chicago’s successful program.
“I’d like to thank the members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors for their continued support and enthusiasm for spreading the Olympic Movement throughout the United States,” said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. “Working together, we will be able to expand opportunities in urban sports for our young people in cities across the country.”
“Mayors from across the United States recognize the critical role sport can play in the lives of urban youth,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. “Chicago 2016 and World Sport Chicago are proud to take the lead in developing positive sport programming. Accessible and sustainable youth sport can act as an agent of social change in urban areas throughout the country and the world.”
World Sport Chicago works with a number of groups, including the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Schools and national sport governing bodies, to introduce Olympic and Paralympic sport and create awareness of various programs throughout the city. The Urban Youth Sport Initiative was started to encourage positive engagement and the development of life skills among urban youth.
The Olympic Task Force, co-chaired by Mayor Daley and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, was formed to foster Olympic values and the spread of youth sport. The U.S. Conference of Mayors, which includes hundreds of mayors from across the United States, has also expressed support for Chicago’s bid for the Olympic Games.
“World Sport Chicago has already taught many of the city’s youth about the concepts of fair play, teamwork, respect and leadership,” said Bill Scherr, chairman of World Sport Chicago and director of sport for Chicago 2016. “With five more cities on board, we can now look forward to spreading the fun and benefits of sport throughout the United States.”
The cities who have agreed to support the Urban Youth Sport Initiatives include: Indianapolis, IN, Louisville, KY, Minneapolis, MN, Oklahoma City, OK, and St. Louis, MO.
In December 2008, the U.S. Mayors Conference announced several mayors and business leaders who have been added to an Executive Steering Committee that will help guide the Olympic Task Force, including: Mayor Manuel Diaz (Miami), Mayor Mufi Hannemann (Honolulu), Mayor Richard M. Daley (Chicago), Mayor Ardell Brede (Rochester, Minn.), Mayor Kevin Burns (North Miami), Mayor Elaine Walker (Bowling Green, KY), Mayor Greg Nickels (Seattle), Mayor Elizabeth Kautz (Burnsville, Minn.), Mayor Mick Cornett (Oklahoma City), Mayor Ralph Becker (Salt Lake City), William Anton, chairman and founder of Anton Airfoods, Noel Hentschel, president and CEO of AmericanTours International, Christopher Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Hotels Corporation, Penny Pritzker, founder and chair of Classic Residence by Hyatt, Glenn Tilton, chairman, president and CEO of United Airlines, and Jonathan Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels.
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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 an Illinois not-for-profit 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.
Contact:
Chicago 2016 Media Line
+1.312.861.4826
media@chicago2016.org