CHICAGO, Ill. – The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) will honor 50 Chicago Public High School students for exemplary leadership in sports and in the classroom, as a part of the one-day Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere (F.L.A.M.E) program on June 23 (worldwide Olympic Day) at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Celebrating its 14th year, the F.L.A.M.E. program, originally targeted to college students, was developed to help educate, encourage and demonstrate to minority youth that any goal is attainable through adhering to the Olympic Ideals of Vision, Discipline, Commitment, Persistence and Focus. Chicago is one of eight U.S. cities that will host F.L.A.M.E. programs.
Participants, nominated by school administrators to participate in the F.L.A.M.E. program, will interact with Olympians and receive inspirational and motivational messages related to Olympic ideals from the athletes. The students will also engage in interactive sport demonstrations and will attend a networking seminar sponsored by Adecco, a USOC sponsor and leader in networking and career development.
Details about the Chicago F.L.A.M.E. program are as follows:
When: Saturday, June 23, 2007
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Chicago Cultural Center -- 78 E. Washington Street, 5th Floor
Olympians: David Diaz, Olympic Boxer, 1996
Danell "Doc" Nicholson, Olympic Boxer, 1992
Robert (Bob) Pickens, Olympic Wrestler, 1964
Jon VandeVelde, Olympic Cycling, 1968, 1972
Attendees: 50 high school athletes from:
● William J. Bogan Computer Technical High School
● Harlan Academy High School
● Thomas Kelly High School
Chicago was chosen by the USOC to be a Community Partner. As an official USOC Community Partner, Chicago joins a select list of cities given priority status for hosting USOC initiatives and events. Chicago’s USOC Community Partnership Committee includes the Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, World Business Chicago and World Sports Chicago.
For more information on the USOC’s education and outreach initiatives visit:
Media Contact: Karley Sweet
ksweet@worldbusinesschicago.com | 312.553.4658
