Let the Games Begin

By Todd McClamroch in News on Apr 16, 2007 4:39PM

It will be a few years before Chicago learns whether or not the world's most elite athletes will be coming here in 2016 for the Summer Olympics. In the meantime, it is the goal of World Sport Chicago to bring amateur sporting events and international competitions to Chicago. The organization's mission is "to enhance the image, awareness, and participation in Olympic and amateur sports across Chicago with the goal of giving all athletes the opportunity to see and experience sport across all levels."

World Sport Chicago's first event was the Chicago Cup, an international wrestling competition that took place on the Northwestern campus in February. The organization also helped bring the Paul Wacker Invitational to Chicago. The event is the longest continuously running water polo event in the nation.

The organization was created to bolster Chicago's 2016 bid showing that the city can attract and support international and amateur sporting events. This June they will help host the 2007 Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) World League USA vs. Italy Men's Volleyball match at Chicago State University, one the Chicago 2106 Olympic Bid venues. Tickets for this event will go on sale later this month or in May.

Our contact at World Sport Chicago promises that we can expect a slew of amateur sporting events to be announced in the near future.