News, Press Releases, Sports - Friday, July 3, 2009 12:00 - 0 Comments

Chicago 2016 Brings Olympic and Paralympic Sport to the Taste, the Largest Summer Festival in Chicago

For the third consecutive year, Chicago 2016 and World Sport Chicago (WSC) are showcasing Olympic and Paralympic sport at the Taste of Chicago. Visitors of all ages can take part in interactive demonstrations and clinics led by elite athletes and Olympians and Paralympians.

The Taste of Chicago is the largest festival in Chicago, with millions of visitors from across the city, suburbs, country and world attending. Held along the lakefront in Grant Park, the city’s “front yard,” the festival takes place in the heart of the Chicago and is now in its 29th year. More than 50 restaurants are participating in the Taste this year, offering more than 200 menu items highlighting Chicago’s diverse culinary community.

“The Taste of Chicago is not only a celebration of food, but also a celebration of the city. Chicago welcomes millions of visitors and residents over the course of the ten-day event, showcasing the beauty of the lakefront and downtown area, as well as the diversity of its communities,” said Patrick Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. “Just as food brings people together, so does sport.  Chicago 2016 is proud to share the values of the Olympic Movement with the world and invites people to become part of the city’s bid.”

Visitors to the Taste can show their enthusiasm for Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games by pushing a button that records the number of people who support the bid. For those looking to learn more about the bid, Chicago 2016 has an information booth featuring details about its venue plan and bid videos created to educate members of the International Olympic Committee during various presentations.

Those who stop by can pick up a Chicago 2016 wristband, as well as informational brochures and information about volunteering with Chicago 2016. Approximately 500 volunteers will be in attendance during the event, promoting the bid and cheering on those who participate in the interactive sports area.

The interactive sports areas will highlight Olympic and Paralympic sports such as track, gymnastics, fencing, archery, judo, team handball, sit volleyball and others. Local sports clubs and organizations will be on hand to encourage kids to learn about new sports and to offer information on where kids can get involved with sports in their area.

Located in the Taste Sports Pavilion (between Columbus, Balbo and Michigan), the Chicago 2016 and WSC booth will be open daily from 11am-6pm, with interactive activities taking place throughout the day and special athlete meet-and-greets from 1-2pm.

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.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chicago 2016 Media Line, 312-861-4826
media@chicago2016.org