Chicago Stirs Up Olympic Spirit
"Olympic Day" celebrated around nation
Updated 3:58 PM CST, Tue, Jul 21, 2009
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Just 99 days before the International Olympic Committee makes its choice as the host city for the 2016 Games, festivities in Chicago on Tuesday were part of the Windy City's master plan to win.
From parachutists and runners on the lakefront to children at the site where planners hope to build an Olympic stadium, "Olympic Day" was intended to stir up the spirit of sport and offer proof to the rest of the world that Chicago truly wants the Games.
"I want them to see the people and the passion, and the enthusiasm of the Chicago people," said Chicago 2016 Chairman Pat Ryan.
And it was obvious that thousands turned out to show that they support the city's pursuit of the Games.
Nearly 150 cities across America participated in World Olympic Day 2009, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Miami and Honolulu.
In Chicago, two three-mile runs on the lakefront path began at 6 p.m. on opposite sides of the city, one at Irving Park Road and the other at Balbo Drive, and ended at North Avenue Beach, which was the site of sports demonstrations and games. The evening concluded with a free concert by U2 tribute band Elevation and Chicago’s own The Freddy Jones Band.
First Published: Jun 23, 2009 9:21 PM CST
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