Chicago 2016 and World Sport Chicago Launch Mayor Daley's Summer Track Program

5/12/2009

CHICAGO (May 12, 2009)—Chicago 2016 and World Sport Chicago, together with Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, launched a new summer track program for youth today at the Mayor’s press conference announcing the city’s Safe Summer programs. A ward-based program, Mayor Daley’s Track Program will provide another unique opportunity for thousands of youth to get involved in an Olympic sport while staying active during the summer.

“Under Mayor Daley’s leadership, Chicago 2016 and World Sport Chicago have instituted a number of youth sport programs across the city and helped to expand countless others,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. “The track program announced today is a prime example of the Mayor’s dedication to furthering Olympic and Paralympic sport in our city and offering kids more options to get involved in sport.”

Chicago 2016, World Sport Chicago and the City of Chicago partnered with the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, Friends of Track and Field, and the Chicago Track Club to launch the program city wide. The goal of the program is to increase exposure and provide fundamental training in the sport of track and field.

"The track program is one of several events organized by World Sport Chicago and Chicago 2016 that will provide positive opportunities for all young people this summer,” said Mayor Daley. “In addition to putting young people in a fun, active and safe environment, the track program will teach our children the values that sport in general can offer—dedication, fair play, fitness and self-confidence."

Each of Chicago’s 50 wards will recruit 50-75 youth to participate, and the volunteer-run program will include twice-a-week practices and track meets each Saturday. The championship meet will take place on July 25.

As a service to our readers, Around the Rings will provide verbatim texts of selected press releases issued by Olympic-related organizations, federations, businesses and sponsors.

These press releases appear as sent to Around the Rings and are not edited for spelling, grammar or punctuation.

Your complete source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only.

(Copyright 1992 2008, all rights reserved. The information in this report may not be published, excerpted, or otherwise distributed in print or broadcast without the express prior consent of Around the Rings.)