"While my career path may change again, this internship has let my true colors shine and brought about a lot of new interests for me!" |
"I look forward to someday being able to cross both of these trips off my bucket list!" |
"My dream trip is the beauty of the South of France and the Mediterranean coupled with the company of my friends from study abroad." |
"I'm sure there are many tropical destinations that would fit the bill for this "wish list" of activities, but I look forward to someday doing them in Hawaii!!" |
"Without a doubt, had I the opportunity to take my dream vacation I would backpack through Spain! It has been my dream to travel there not only for the cultural experience but the sporting events as well!" |
"I remember walking into Ohio Stadium for the first home game as a student and being completely overwhelmed, our seats were amazing. I had no idea that I was about to experience one of OSU’s greatest football seasons in history." |
"Connecticut is at the geographic center of some of the greatest rivalries in the history of professional athletics. In the NBA, there is the Celtics versus the Knicks. And in the NHL, there is the Rangers versus the Bruins. But at the forefront of these heated and historic competitions is that of the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees." |
"It’s not just about football. It’s about everything the institutions stand for. In the south it’s bigger. No one really cares about pro sports, minus maybe the Braves. We don’t have the Bulls or the Blackhawks. It’s about the ACC and the SEC." |
"While baseball is not among my most favorable of sports to watch, this Chicago team rivalry seems to be the most long-standing and intense of them all." |
"Oh to have been at the 1900 Olympics in Paris. To watch the demonstration sports such as fire fighting, pigeon racing, angling, ballooning, and kite flying all taking place at the II Olympiad." |
"If I could bring my own sport to the Olympic trials, I would choose dodgeball! To see a bunch of athletes get really into a silly and fun sport from my childhood would be awesome!" |
"Knowing all of the coaching, training and strategy building that goes into modern day athletic competitions, I would love to see how this old school event would translate into today’s Olympic Games." |
"I can personally confirm that a variety of activities presented in the movies over the years have piqued my interest. I have left theaters wanting to travel the world, go skydiving, and even wanting to learn to play the guitar." |
"In 2006 I watched just about every match that Pete Fenson and the U.S. Men’s Curling Team played en route to the bronze medal. Those Olympic Games brought my desire to curl to another level." |
"During the Olympics there is always some random sport that comes on that you do not think you are at all interested in, and then you watch 5 minutes of it and are hooked. The sport that always seems to make me feel that way is synchronized swimming." |
"After seeing this hilarious film, not only did I walk away from it with a major crush on Chevy Chase, but I also really wanted to learn how to play golf!" |
"I have blamed my father numerous times for raising me as a Cleveland sports fan, but in hindsight, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way." |
"Like many Cubs fans I feel the odds are against us, but I have hope that I’m wrong. While I may walk out on games in the 7th saying, “You can’t trust our bullpen, might as well beat out traffic”, deep down inside like all Cubs fans I believe that we’ll win." |
"My dad and I watched the Pats diligently each Sunday afternoon or Monday night growing up and he finally brought me to my first Pats game in 2002" |
"I started out on the dark side as my grandpa got me hooked to the excitement at the fresh age of five. Of course I was too young to understand that being a Packers fan while living in Chicago was not the most favorable attribute" |
As they finish up their final days in the office, the Winter 2012 bloggers talk email, their various projects and reflect on their time at WSC in this special video blog. |
"Last year during the Valor Games I had the chance to help out all three days and I really valued the time I got to spend with the veterans." |
"It has been a wonderful to be thrown into all the various projects in just my first few weeks. This summer is shaping up to be a memorable one and I am honored to be a part of it." |
"I am personally most excited for the inaugural Chicago Community Games that will take place at the same time as the Summer 2012 Olympic Games in London. The program kicks off this coming June with the Family Sports Festival" |
"There are so many fun events coming up this spring/summer but I am definitely most excited for the Athletic Crossroads. This event will connect the youth community of Chicago with the upcoming NATO Summit through a sports tournament!" |
"I am definitely most looking forward to the intramural volleyball at North Ave beach! I’ve never participated before, but this year I’m springing into action, no pun intended!!" |
"I have really started to value Spring now that I live in Chicago because of the harsh winters." |
"I am most excited to begin playing tennis outside, walking my dog without first putting 10 layers of clothes on to stay warm, and finally running in the Color Run 5k, which benefits the Children’s Memorial Hospital." |
"I am looking forward to playing volleyball on the North Avenue and Oak Street beaches. As the self-proclaimed world’s worst volleyball player, I find the fun in spending time with my friends and jamming out to the music that blasts from Castaways beach house." |
"I cannot wait for those long bike rides along the lake. Closing my eyes as I imagine myself biking, I can feel the breeze on my face and the sun that together make the perfect combination." |
"I would hands down choose the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain as my favorite; that summer first introduced USA basketball's 'Dream Team.'" |
"Sochi is a city right on the Black Sea and it has been a summer and winter retreat for many Russians for hundreds of years. There is so much history in that city and I would love to see the transformation the government and been giving it to accommodate the 2014 Winter Olympics." |
"At the upcoming Games of the XXX Olympiad in London this summer over 11,000 athletes from 204 different countries are expected to participate. This is tremendous growth from the 280 individuals that competed back in 1896." |
"The 1960’s is one of my favorite periods in history, so it would have been amazing to kick off the decade with the Rome Olympic Games." |
"By the time,[Olympics in 2004] I was thirteen years old. I remember following almost every sport or discipline possible, to the point that I thought one day, I would be moving to Greece and be present the next time the Games would be held there." |
"As an avid Water Polo player myself, I am shocked by the strength and speed at which Olympians compete in this incredibly difficult sport." |
"I enjoy gymnastics because the Americans are always so good and I only got to be a gymnast when I was younger for a little bit. All of the tumbling is just fun to watch!" |
"Torres is a true athlete that displays pure devotion to her sport. I admire her and her ability to make a career out of her greatest passion." |
"It’s fascinating to observe athletes in action and see the passion they have dedicated toward their particular sport. The commitment and skill that goes into each of the matches is apparent regardless of how familiar I am with the game." |
"Featuring 39 disciplines, the Summer Games will be a battlefield where athletes will give everything in the name of victory. Me? I am ready. I am ready to watch, to endure, to celebrate the victories or suffer the defeats." |
"I have been involved in the BAM- Sports program for over a year now and I am lucky to bear witness everyday on the positive changes the program is making in so many communities and schools." |
"It has been such a privilege to work on aprogram [BAM-Sports] that is making a positive impact in Chicago’s communities by implementing change one step at a time toward a larger goal." |
"Whether you are the face of the organization, or the person behind a computer, you get to be part of the purpose." |
"Most people hear “corporate development” and think about someone spending countless hours in excel and word entering data and writing manuals but my role here at World Sport Chicago is anything but that." |
"You will never find Jim Thome hosting parties at clubs in Miami or in the news for a DUI or cheating on his wife, he is a good ol’ Midwest boy, he has had a great career and is a great family man" |
"Like every kid in Chicago, my favorite athlete was Michael Jordan. I have memories of playing basketball with my friends and sticking out my tongue as I shot with hopes that it would actually go in for once." |
"When I saw Michelle Kwan perform in the 1998 Olympics in Japan, I was mesmerized by how graceful and smooth she was as she glided across the ice under the world’s scrutiny." |
"I think it’s great to remember past athletes; but I feel more excitement when I can closely follow Cristiano Ronaldo’s games or read about his philanthropy work.That makes him more real to me than just having a poster of an athlete." |
"One of the first things people learn about me when they meet me is that I am a die-hard Cleveland sports fan. I am still recovering from the Cleveland Indians losing the 1997 World Series." |
The Blackhawk’s victory is an experience I’ll never forget, not so much because of the actual win; but because of the pride I felt for Chicago and the strong sense of community support. |
"Looking at past pictures from the youth sporting programs brought back a nostalgic feeling of harmony. The strengthened ideals and characteristics of teamwork create a memorable backdrop to any sporting experience." |
"Interestingly enough, my best childhood memories about sport include uncountable Sunday afternoons with lots of shrimp, octopus, fish and the best soccer games." |
"I realize now how much hard work goes into keeping non- for-profits and community organizations up and running and how important they are to the community." |
"Had I not seen the direct impact that coming together for a greater cause has on overall well-being and the community, I would not have had the motivation to join other groups and make a greater personal contribution to society. Thank you World Sport Chicago, for making me a better person." |
"WSC has not only made me realize once again the vast amount of opportunities that exist for community involvement, but it has also helped me to see the positive impact that community support has for everyone." |
"I am very excited as I go through my internship, and I feel it is eye-opening for me. My mindset has certainly changed about sports at WSC. I mean, beside the fact that working for the living legacy of the Olympic bid is awesome…! I have discovered a new side to the practice of sport and community involvement." |
"I remember my first week at WSC like it was yesterday, my excitement overshadowed my anxiety; everyone was so helpful and nice. I always say that I could have not asked for a better experience because I was able to work on so many different programs and projects." |
"After getting acquainted with BAM-Sports Edition, an inspiring program that engages young men in at-risk communities by combining the elements of Olympic sports with behavioral counseling, I immediately got to work on the data." |
"When I got my first assignment I thought I was being punked. And no, Ashton Kutcher is not my supervisor." |
"Initially, I was hoping it wasn’t too bold from my part to ask my boss if I could go to the meeting; but at the same time, how could I skip an opportunity like this?" |
"Sport can be used as a way of burning extra energy but I think if you look past that kids learn physical, social, and emotional skills at a young age" |
"I am now toying with the thought of event planning as a possible career option that can provide me the skills and experience necessary to operate an 82-game season filled with high-profile drama and thousands of attendees." |
"I want to have different tasks everyday that are either inside or outside the office. I also hope to work with people who span all levels of experience and background. The workplace should also be a learning place where you can expand your knowledge on others, as well as yourself" |
"I want the end results to go beyond numbers. I want my career, whatever it may be, to make a positive impact on my community." |
"As for my career goals, those are still to be determined. I am still exploring. This internship will certainly play a part in my career goals." |
"Ultimately my goal is to have a career where I can't believe people are actually paying me to do my job." |
"For me, basketball became much more than just a group of athletes trying to throw the ball into a hoop; it became the vehicle through which I developed many of my values and characteristics. It taught me about perseverance, responsibility, teamwork, leadership, communication, patience, and more." Vivian explains the impact that sports has had on her life and that a course at University of Chicago reinforced her desire to pursue a career in the sports industry. |
"I think people love sports because it teaches us that hard work and determination payoff. It is not always about the big picture of winning a medal, but it is about personal gains."
Kay Loftus explains that sports can be for anyone because they bring everyone together whether it be watching or playing them. |
"We all have our own reasons to play. They are as varied as our own identities. Some play simply for the love of the game or for fun. Others play for something deeper like pride, country, challenge, remembrance, or healing." Martin Griffin explains different reasons to play sports and reminsces on some of the best moments in sports history. |
"I think if an underdog were an actual type of dog I would own one."
Danielle explains that sports create entertainment, a sense of pride, and offer different outlets to the athletes who chose to participate. |
It’s rewarding when I get to see that the work done in the office truly touches the lives of our participants and their communities."
Vivian Hua jumps right into her internship and learns that hardwork and persistence pays off. |
"Working so closely with this program has been a unique experience; one that has opened my eyes a little bigger and broadened my horizons a little further." Tori Callero returns from Italy and dives right into her Event Planning Internship at World Sport Chicago. |
"Instantly I could tell how committed everyone is to their positions. So many different projects and programs are put together in these clusters of cubicles and it takes a special kind of team to execute it all. I am beyond privileged to be able to contribute to this team." After the first weeks of interning for Event Planning, Tori Queri feels privelaged to be apart of the World Sport Chicago family. |
"It’s basically my job to facilitate communication with the coaches and keep them happy, and if the coaches are happy, the kids are happy. If the kids are happy, the track meets are a great success. And that is the ultimate goal of the program." Intern Kay Loftus is enjoying the hands-on work experience with the World Sport Chicago Summer Track Program. |
"I found a natural fit interning for the Summer Track and Field Program." World Sport Chicago Summer Track Programming intern Martin Griffin serves as a liason between World Sport Chicago and the Chicago track teams. |
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think playing Xbox Kinect with my brother would actually come in handy during my internship." Creative Media & Communications intern Danielle Schaffrath wears many hats in just her first month at World Sport Chicago. |