Chicago Public School Students to Participate in U.S. Jr. Olympic Skills Competition

2007/05/23

MEDIA ALERT

WHAT: Local elementary school students compete in events and demonstrate their athletic ability in Basketball, Soccer, USTA Rapid Rally Tennis and Track & Field as a part of the United States Olympic Committee Jr. Skills Competition. The competition gives potential future Olympians the chance to showcase their talent today.

The winners of each local sport will compete in a regional competition in June; regional winners are then eligible to compete in the National Finals at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

WHEN/WHERE/WHO:
Wednesday, May 23, 2007

2:30 - 5:30pm James R. Jordan Club and Family Life Center
2102 W. Monroe Street
Featuring: Olympic Gold Medalist, Bill Mulliken (1960 Swimming)
250 Boys & Girls Club Members

2:30 - 5:30pm Rauner Family YMCA
2700 S. Western Avenue
Featuring: Michael Bennett, U.S. Olympian, Boxing
250 kids from YMCA's throughout Chicago

WHY: U.S. Jr. Olympic Skills Competition is a free national grassroots effort intended to encourage youth participation in sport and emphasize fair and friendly competition.

Chicago is an official USOC Community Partner and part of a select list of cities given priority status for hosting USOC initiatives and events, such as the Jr. Olympic Skills Competition. Chicago's USOC Community Partnership Committee includes the Chicago Public Schools, Park District, Public Library, World Sports Chicago and World Business Chicago.

Media Contact:
Karley Sweet (312) 553-4658
On-site Contacts:
Carolyn Phillips (312) 925-2295
Carrie Simmons (312) 622-6789