Chicago 2016 Brings “World’s Greatest Athlete” To Chicago For Principal For A Day Program

CHICAGO (October 31, 2008)-Chicago 2016 brought Bryan Clay, considered by many to be the "World's Greatest Athlete" due to his success in the decathlon event at the Beijing Olympic Games, to Chicago to participate in the Principal for Day program at the Chicago Public Schools yesterday. Clay spent the morning at Williams Preparatory School of Medicine at DuSable Campus High School in the Washington Park neighborhood, interacting with students during an all-school assembly and sharing his Olympic story.

Principal for a Day was started by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley in 2000 to bring business and civic leaders together to broaden their understanding of the accomplishments and challenges of students, teachers and principals. 

"Principal for a Day is another way that Chicago 2016 is demonstrating our ongoing commitment to reaching the youth in Chicago and educating and exciting them about amateur sport and Olympic values and ideals," said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. "We hope the students were inspired by the stories they heard and came away with a better understanding of what it means to be an Olympic and Paralympic athlete and part of the Olympic movement."

Clay began the day by doing the morning announcements over the loudspeaker before joining the entire student body in an all-school assembly where he spoke about his Olympic experience and described what it means to be part of the Olympic Movement. He also shared information about Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Clay completed his Principal for a Day experience by addressing the many business and civic leaders who participated in the program at the Principal for a Day luncheon.

"Being an Olympian is an honor that extends beyond Games time and competition," said Clay. "Working with youth and spreading the word about the Olympic Movement is what really inspires me. If just one student was motivated to pursue their dreams after hearing my story, it will be a true success."

Chicago 2016 also arranged for an additional 27 Olympians and Paralympians-as well as 15 Chicago 2016 staff members-to take part in the Principal for a Day program. In total, nearly 15,000 students at 27 schools met with Olympic athletes this year. Each athlete gave an autographed Chicago 2016 flag to the schools they visited.

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.

Contact:
Mica Matsoff
+1.312.861.4826 (Chicago 2016 media line
media@chicago2016.org