World Sport Chicago Brings Sport Clinics To Chicago Youth And Coaches

CHICAGO (October 31, 2008) - Today, World Sport Chicago (WSC), the living legacy of Chicago 2016, announced it is bringing three unique sport clinics to Chicago. During the month of November, Olympians and Olympic coaches will visit Chicago to conduct water polo, wrestling and track and field clinics for Chicago-area youth and coaches.

"One of the goals of World Sport Chicago is to provide the community with access to a number of different Olympic sports while also educating youth on the Olympic Movement and its values," said Scott Myers, executive director of World Sport Chicago. "We're excited to bring three distinct sport clinics to the city that will not only benefit the youth who participate, but also coaches who can help sustain the sports in our community."

November clinics include:

Water Polo Clinic: November 1 - 2

Members of USA Water Polo, including Olympic Head Coach Guy Baker, will come to Chicago to teach a two-day clinic for area youth and coaches. Part of USA Water Polo's Programs for Athletes and Coaches (PACE) and co-presented by WSC, Illinois Water Polo and the Chicago Park District, this unique opportunity allows youth athletes to work on team skills and strategies under the instruction of some of the best athletes in the sport. Local coaches also will benefit from the clinic by learning techniques they can teach during regular practice.

Wrestling Clinic: November 14

Lee Kemp, 2008 Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Coach, will come to Chicago to conduct a session for local high school and club-level wrestling coaches. One of the most decorated wrestlers of all time, Kemp will interact with 75 coaches from the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District and area clubs. This clinic is presented by WSC the Chicago Wrestling Coaches Association.

Track and Field Clinic: November 15-16

Members of the Track and Field Athletes Union will come to Chicago to conduct a clinic for Chicago Public School youth and coaches. Track and Field Olympians, including Jon Drummond, Jamie Neito, Sheena Tosta and Hazel Clark, will conduct clinics designed to promote event-specific training techniques. They will also spend time educating attendees on the importance of learning and living the Olympic values. This unique clinic is presented by WSC with USA Track and Field, the Track & Field Athletes Union, the Chicago Public Schools and Friends of Track and Field.

About World Sport Chicago
World Sport Chicago (WSC) is an Illinois not-for-profit working to enhance the image, awareness and participation in Olympic sports across Chicago and to extend Chicago's international outreach through and for sport and youth. Focused on promoting the development of recreational and competitive sport to the area's youth, WSC works closely with Chicago 2016 and Chicago's 2016's Athlete Advisory Counsel (AAC) to provide sport expertise and athlete insight to the execution of these sporting events. WSC intends to aid Chicago in developing a sustainable, international sporting legacy as a real agent of social change for the city. William Scherr, an Olympic medalist in wrestling, is chairman of the board and Scott Myers serves as the executive director.

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