WORLD SPORT CHICAGO, LEGACY ORGANIZATION OF CHICAGO’S OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC BID, NAMES 56 CHICAGO STUDENT-ATHLETES TO THE WSC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 

Students receive Kaplan ACT test preparation courses, Chicago Scholars Mentoring Program and the opportunity to compete for one of 16 college scholarships supported by the John D. and Catherine T. Macarthur Foundation.

CHICAGO – February 10, 2011 – World Sport Chicago, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting sport to the youth of Chicago, is pleased to accept 56 Chicago student-athletes to the World Sport Chicago Scholarship Program.  The Class of 2011 WSC Scholars are Chicago high school juniors who represent 20 different Olympic and Paralympic sports including Sailing, Badminton, Wheelchair Basketball, Soccer, etc. and include able-bodied athletes as well as athletes with physical or visual disabilities.  WSC Scholars attend 31 different public, private and parochial schools and represent over 30 Chicago neighborhoods.  Students were selected based on their commitment to academics, athletics and the Olympic values.

WSC Scholars will have access to World Sport Chicago events, receive Kaplan ACT test preparation courses and participate in Chicago Scholars’ pre-college mentoring program.  Students will also have the opportunity to compete for one of 16 renewable college scholarships worth up to $10,000 annually ($40,000 total), supported by the MacArthur Foundation.  The 2011 WSC Scholars will also join last year’s inaugural WSC Scholars as athlete ambassadors and will speak with schools and community groups about the importance of higher education, athletics participation and the Olympic Movement.  

“We are excited to welcome a new group of student-athletes to the WSC Scholarship Program,” says Scott Myers, Executive Director of World Sport Chicago.  “Last year’s program was a rewarding experience for the students, mentors and partner organizations and we look forward to providing the same opportunities for the 2011 WSC Scholars as they pursue their collegiate and athletic goals.”

Learn more at www.wscscholars.org.  2012 scholarship applications and eligibility information will be posted in August 2011.