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April 2012 Newsletter

Summer 2011 Newsletter

Midwest Chapter
of U.S. Olympians & Paralympians

April 2013

Dear Diane ,

Happy Spring! Our winter and summer Olympians, Paralympians, hopefuls and coaches are in "high gear" with our summer athlete schedules and as the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, approach, followed by the XI Paralympic Winter Games.

I want to congratulate all of our re-elected Midwest officers and to welcome new secretary and 2003 World Curling Championships Gold Medalist Ann Swisshelm (Curling, 2002) to our board! Thanks to all of you for your participation in the winter voting process for our regional Midwest Olympians and Paralympians election.

On behalf of our 2013-2016 Midwest board, I am grateful to serve you and look forward to how spring reignites the flame within all of us in what has been some of the most challenging few months of my life. I want to thank each and every one of you for your support as fellow Olympians, Paralympians, coaches and elite athletes in the Olympic and gymnastics families. And as the co-Olympic Day Liaison along with Olympian Jim Millns (figure skating, 1976), I ask all of you to step up and participate on Olympic Day! Sign up at www.teamusa.org/ODAthleteRegistration to be a part of this day, held annually on June 23, which celebrates the birth of the modern Olympic Games and is an international effort to promote fitness and well-being in the spirit of the Olympic ideals of fair play, perseverance, respect and sportsmanship.

As we move well into this next quadrennium, I ask again along with the Midwest Chapter board, for a volunteer in three cities to lead regional efforts as city liaisons in: Des Moines, Iowa, Minneapolis, Minn., and Milwaukee, Wis. Please email me atdsb1988@sbcglobal.net if you're interested!

I recall now the quote of Alexander Pope that "hope springs eternal" and wish that this is true for us all in 2013 and beyond!

Diane Simpson

U.S. Olympic Assembly Committee Member, Multi-Sport Organizations Liaison for USOA, Stop Abuse in Sport Campaign

Midwest Chapter officers:

* President - Diane Simpson (Gymnastics, 1988)

* Vice President - Tony Brooks (Rowing, 1972, 1976)

* Vice President - Steve Gregg (Swimming, 1976)

* Treasurer - John Vande Velde (Cycling, 1968, 1972)

* Secretary - Ann Swisshelm (Curling, 2002)

U.S. Olympians Association area officers:

* Vice President - Carol Brown (Rowing, 1976, 1980, 1984)

* Vice President - Linda Mastandrea (Athletics, 1992, 1996)

We accept $30 dues for 2013 to promote the fellowship of Olympians, Paralympians, elite hopefuls and coaches here in the Midwest at:john.vandevelde@yahoo.com. Email dsb1988@sbcglobal.net with highlights.

Upcoming Midwest Chapter events/U.S. Olympians Association

In This Issue

Upcoming Events / Events Held

USOC / USA Paralympics News

Midwest Olympians / Paralympians in the News

World Sport Chicago

Upcoming Events / Events Held

Upcoming Midwest Chapter events/U.S. Olympians Association

Good luck to Olympian Bonnie Blair (speedskating, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1994) and Paralympian Tatyana McFadden (athletics, 2008, 2012) as they serve as speakers for the American Cancer Society Walk & roll event held at Soldier Field in Chicago on April 27. Blair is the most decorated woman Winter Olympian. She the first American woman to win five gold medals and the first American to win gold medals in the same event in three straight Olympic Games. The well-rounded McFadden won three gold medals and a bronze at the Paralympic Games in London and took home three silver medals and a bronze medal at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. She competes in the full-range of events from the sprint distances to the marathon. This is the second straight year our chapter has been represented at the ACS Walk & Roll. Last year, four-time Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee served as starter with Nancy Swider-Peltz, Jr. (speedskating, 2010), Simpson and Ron Urick (canoe/kayak, 1988) participating.

world fit logo

Chicago hosts board members of the U.S. Olympians Association and the Athletes' Advisory Council the first weekend in May. We look forward to welcoming all the officers and representatives of the USOA and the AAC! During the trip, USOA Vice President Carol Brown will return to Belding Elementary for a third consecutive year on May 3 as part of the national USOA World Fit initiative. More than 30,000 students in grades 3-8 will take part this year.

Visit www.worldfit.org for more information.

World Sport Chicago hosts its annual Family Sports Festival in coordination with Olympic Day Chicago on June 15 at Seward Park. Last year's Olympic Day/Walk to London 2012 event was an outstanding event as it featured more than two dozen Olympians, Paralympians and coaches who assisted nearly 4,000 youth and their families as they attempted 30 sports. Sign up at: www.teamusa.org/ODAthleteRegistration to take part and please let Diane Simpson know at dsb1988@sbcglobal.net to ensure we have you on the World Sport Chicago list.

USOC / USA Paralympics in the News

Nearly 200 Olympic Day events are set nationwide with more than 100 athletes registered. SIGN UP NOW to be part of this incredible experience in your local community. Once registered, you will find online tools to help you coordinate your day and to put you in touch with your event contact. And don't be surprised when other Olympians and Paralympians or USOC staff seek you out to sign up and register either via email or a phone call.

Midwest Olympians/Paralympians in the News

Curling skip Erika Brown (1998) with her team of Sarah Anderson,Debbie McCormick (1998, 2002, 2010), Jessica Shultz (2006), andAnn Swisshelm (2002) helped the United States qualify for the 2014 Olympic Games in Riga, Latvia, at the World Championships as the United States fell to Canada 8-6.

Evanston, Ill., and Northwestern University welcomes former Duke star (1993-1996) and assistant head coach Chris Collins back home to Illinois. Collins, a native of Northbrook, Ill., served under Olympic and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski for more than a decade and is now NU's new collegiate head coach. Collins is the son of 1972 Olympic Silver Medalist and Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins (basketball, 1972).

Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Shani Davis (speedskating, 2006, 2010) - the first black athlete from any nation to win a gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games in an individual sport - won a bronze medal in the men's 1,000 meters and a silver medal in the 1,500 meters in Sochi, Russia, at the Essent ISU Long Track World Single Distance Championships. Jonathan Kuck (speedskating, 2010) took 12th in the 10,000 meters. Janesville, Wis.-native Tucker Fredricks (speedskating, 2006, 2010) took 22nd and 24th in the men's 500 meters.

Naperville, Ill., Olympic hopeful Chris Derrick sparked the United States to a landmark silver medal in the senior men's race with a 10th-place finish at the World Cross-Country Championships in Poland as the first U.S. senior men's medal at the meet since 2001 and first silver since 1984.

Paralympian Anna Eames (2008, 2012) of Golden Valley, Minn., set a Pan American record in the women's S10 class in 31.76 at the U.S. Paralympics Spring Swimming National Championships.

Olympic hopeful Jazzy Kerber of Highland Park, Ill., claimed her first senior national title at the Winter Challenge in Colorado Springs, Colo. Kerber was a standout as a junior athlete hopeful during the Chicago 2016 Olympic Games bid.

Linda Mastandrea in Brazil Photo: Paralympic Games Medalist and U.S. Olympians Association Vice President Linda Mastandrea (athletics, 1992, 1996) joined other representatives on behalf of World Chicago (not World Sport Chicago) in an international exchange in Brazil in early April.

Congratulations and good luck to long-time USOC Board Member and Wisconsin nativeMike Plant (speedskating, 1980), who has taken the reigns as the appointed president of the board for U.S. Speedskating. Plant is busy as executive vice president for the Atlanta Braves. He was chef de mission for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Plant served as executive director of USA Canoe/Kayak, as associate executive director and president of USA Cycling, as a member of the board of directors of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, and as president of the Goodwill Games.

World Sport Chicago President Bill Scherr (Wrestling, 1988), who is a former world champion and Olympic Bronze Medalist, leads a talented team of wrestlers such as Olympic Champion Dan Gable (1972 ) and former U.S. Olympic Committee CEO and twin brother, Jim Scherr(1988), and Olympic and World Champion Jordan Burroughs (2012), as members of the Committee for the Preservation of Olympic Wrestling (CPOW) in the quest to ensure wrestling's status on the Olympic Programme. USA Wrestling formed the group with Scherr as chairman to lead the United States effort to Keep Olympic Wrestling. Click here to read more.

World Sport Chicago

world sport chicago

A reminder above that the World Sport Chicago (www.worldsportchicago.org) Family Sports Festival held on June 15 will be at Seward Park. Sign up to take part!

WSC hosts the World Sport Chicago Wrestling Festival April 27 at Navy Pier. Please contact Jason Eby at: jeby@worldsportchicago.org for more information.

The Valor Games Midwest established by World Sport Chicago in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Paralympics in 2011, takes place again Aug. 12-14.

Morgan and Jones at elementary school Athlete Ambassador Program update: Gary Morgan (athletics, 1988) joined former national elite modern pentathlete Allison Jones, MD, at Ruggles Elementary for their return WSC AAP visit on Monday, April 8. Dozens of Athlete Ambassadors have completed two or three visits at about a dozen schools this year. Email top archer Stephanie Miller atsmiller@worldsportchicago.org to get added to the list of WSC Athlete Ambassadors.

Once again, Happy Spring!

--Diane and Your Midwest Olympians and Paralympians Board

Diane Simpson
President, Midwest Chapter
dsb1988@sbcglobal.net

Midwest Chapter
of U.S. Olympians & Paralympians

December 2012

Dear Diane ,

Happy Holidays! What an incredible year. Some of us were lucky enough to watch live as our fellow Olympians and Paralympians dazzled during London 2012. I was one of them, attending events from gymnastics and diving to beach and indoor volleyball, and tennis played at Centre Court at Wimbledon! Congratulations to all 2012 athletes and thank you for your service! And to think that now we are only slightly more than a year away from Sochi 2014!

I want to thank you for your participation in the voting process to elect new officers of the U.S. Olympians Association (USOA) and for our regional Midwest Olympians and Paralympians. On behalf of our 2008-2012 Midwest board, we are grateful to you for having us represent you and are honored to serve you.

As we move well into this next quadrennium, the Midwest Chapter board asks for a volunteer in three cities to lead regional efforts as city liaisons in the following locations: Des Moines, Iowa, Minneapolis, Minn., and Milwaukee, Wis. Please email dsb1988@sbcglobal.net if you're interested!

Have a happy and healthy New Year!

Diane

Midwest Chapter officers:

* President - Diane Simpson-Bundy (Gymnastics, 1988)

* Vice President - Tony Brooks (Rowing, 1972, 1976)

* Vice President - Steve Gregg (Swimming, 1976)

* Treasurer - John Vande Velde (Cycling, 1968, 1972)

* Secretary - Linda Mastandrea (Wheelchair Athletics 1992, 1996)

We are accepting $30 dues for 2013 to promote the fellowship of Olympians, Paralympians, elite hopefuls and coaches here in the Midwest at: Emailjohn.vandevelde@yahoo.com to contribute or dsb1988@sbcglobal.net with highlights.

In This Issue

Upcoming Events / Events Held

USOC / USA Paralympics News

Midwest Olympians / Paralympians in the News

World Sport Chicago

Upcoming Events / Events Held

Midwest Chapter events/U.S. Olympians Association

Thanks to USOC trustees Rob Merrilees and Joan Criswell for hosting newly elected USOA President Gary Hall (swimming, 1968, 1972, 1976) at their Wilmette, Ill. home, and others including USOA Vice President Carol Brown(rowing, 1976, 1980, 1984), Midwest Chapter VP Steve Gregg (swimming, 1976), John Kinsella (swimming, 1968, 1972), Paul Moran (sitting volleyball, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004; wheelchair tennis, 2008), Simpson, and the father of Conor Dwyer (swimming, 2012) - Patrick Dwyer - on behalf of World Fit in October.

USOC / USA Paralympics in the News

USOC/U.S. Paralympics

Kudos to Brown, who ended her "reign" as U.S. Olympic Assembly Committee chair after several years.

USOA Vice Presidents Brown and Linda Mastandrea (wheelchair athletics, 1992, 1996), Simpson (USOC Multi-Sport Organizations liaison, MSO Nominating Committee, USOA Nominating Committee and 2012-2013 Assembly Committee member), and Midwest Chapter Vice Presidential Candidate Gary Morgan (athletics, 1988) were among those who attended the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Assembly. University of Illinois Freshman Phenom Raymond Martin was honored as Paralympic SportsMan of the Year. Martin won gold medals in every event he entered at the London 2012 Paralympic Games-starting with Team USA's first track and field gold medal in the 100 meters of the T52 class and later in the 200-, 400- and 800-meters.

Wheelchair track athletes Jean Driscoll - a 2012 inductee to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame - and Sharon Hedrick joined President Barack Obama as part of the official delegation at the Paralympic Games. Driscoll is the first 8-time winner of the Boston Marathon in the wheelchair division and won two Olympic silver medals plus 12 Paralympic medals, while Hedrick became the first athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in wheelchair track in world record time in the 800 meters at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and recaptured her title in Seoul. Hedrick is a 12-time medalist as a Paralympian. Other worthy notes in our region: The 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team included 13 team members of the track and field team's 54 athletes who had ties to the University of Illinois. More than 15 other U of I students and alumni were also in London as part of wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball teams, and alumnus Tony Iniguez coached wheelchair track. The group included three-time Paralympian Tatyana McFadden (2004, 2008, 2012), who claimed three events in the T54 division. McFadden's sister, Hannah, shared a berth in the 100-meter final.

Midwest Olympians/Paralympians in the News

Paralympic hopeful and Fenwick High School Senior Mary Kate Callahan, who was featured as "one to watch" during the Chicago 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid, made history and won her quest to compete in all four events - the 50-yard freestyle, 100 free, 200 free and 100 breaststroke at the IHSA State Swimming Championships this season as part of a settlement between the IHSA and Callahan filed by Equip for Equality. Callahan won the breaststroke for athletes with disabilities in 2:35.90. She finished second in the 200 free and third in both the 100 and 50.

Tamika Catchings (basketball, 2004, 2008, 2012) earned Finals MVP title honors as she led the Indiana Fever to its first WNBA title and was named in Sports Illustrated's Athletes Who Care: The Power of Ten article in December 2012. Catchings started at forward for the undefeated 1998 NCAA title team at Tennessee but was diagnosed at age two with profound hearing loss. Now the seven-time WNBA All-Star makes it her mission to conduct as many public appearances as possible. Her Catch the Stars Foundation gives middle schoolers a choice of two programs: STARS (Sisters Teaching and Reaching Sisters) and CHAMPS (Changing Habits and Making People Successful). Both programs blend fitness and literacy.

Jerry Colangelo has been re-elected as chairman of the USA Basketball Board of Directors for 2013-2016. Term duties include trips to the 2014 FIBA World Championships for the men in Spain and for the women in Turkey. The U.S. men are 62-1 since Colangelo joined the lineup in 2005, including gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games and at the 2010 World Championships. Chicago's Anthony Davis, Jr., who played as a University of Kentucky freshman before being selected as the top pick in the NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets, was on the 2012 U.S. Men's Basketball Team roster and now has a gold medal as well. The women won their fifth straight gold medal in an Olympic Games in London to hold a streak at 41 games in international competition at the Olympics.

conner Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Bart Conner (Gymnastics, 1976, 1980, 1984) was honored as a 2012 inductee to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame - the highest honor Oklahomans can receive for contributions to their state - on Nov. 15. Conner, who moved from Illinois to Oklahoma in 1976 to attend the University of Oklahoma, is the only American gymnast to win gold medals at every level of national and international competition. He is an Olympic, World, United States, World Cup, Pan American and NCAA champion. He overcame his second torn biceps injury en route to becoming a member of the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. Gymnastics Team in the men's team competition and also the parallel bars champion. Tim Shriver, chairman and CEO of Special Olympics, introduced Conner, an acclaimed motivational speaker, international ambassador and philanthropist.

Photo above: Bart Conner with wife, Nadia Comaneci (gymnastics, 1976, 1980) - the only person to twice be awarded the Olympic Order, the highest award given by the International Olympic Committee.

All-around and Team Olympic Champion Gabby Douglas (gymnastics, 2012) will visit 43 cities as part of the Team Choice Live tour next year with some of her teammates. Douglas was named to "Barbara Walters Presents: the 10 Most Fascinating People of 2012," which aired Dec. 12 and also joined her "Fierce Five" teammates on Dancing With The Stars to support DWTS 2012 eventual runner-up and former DWTS champion Shawn Johnson (gymnastics, 2008), who won four medals in Beijing.

Janesville, Wis.-native Tucker Fredricks (speedskating, 2006, 2010) won his first World Cup medal of the season at the Essent ISU World Cup # 4 in the 500 meters in a time of 35.10.

Naperville's Alyssa Gialamas (swimming, 2012), who finished fifth for Team USA in the 200-meter freestyle at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London and holds or has held six American records, competed at the IHSA State Swimming Championships. She captured the 200, 50 and 100 and took second in the breaststroke for Waubonsie Valley, where she is a junior.

Olympic 100-meter backstroke champion and Olympic Record-holder Matt Grevers (swimming, 2008, 2012) was nominated for Male Athlete of the Year and Male Performance of the Year at the 2012 Golden Goggles event in New York. Michael Phelps won the Athlete of the Year award, while Nathan Adrian won for his performance in the 100-meter freestyle.

Evan Jager, who held an early lead at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Games, placed sixth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

Olympic Silver Medalist and 2005 World Champion Chellsie Memmel(gymnastics, 2008) has retired and is apparently getting married. Memmel was a strong part of the 2003 U.S. squad that won the nation's first team title at world championships and tied for gold on the uneven bars that year. Memmel added silver medals on the bars and the balance beam at the 2005 Worlds as well.

Five-time Paralympian Paul Moran played in the National Wheelchair Softball Championships in Chicago. Thirteen teams vied for the championship in the lots at U.S. Cellular Field with the title game held at California Park - the home field that CubsCare and the Chicago Park District built for the RIC Cubs back in 2002, the same year the RIC Cubs won their first of two national titles. Also, this year, Moran was named to the Wheelchair Softball Hall of Fame and helped his consistently top Cubs team - that was inducted into the 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame earlier this year - continue its reign in New York at a special post-season tournament for MLB-sponsored teams where Moran was named tournament MVP.

Iraq War Veteran Melissa Stockwell (swimming, 2008) won her third consecutive ITU ParaTriathlon World Championships title in the women's TRI-2 division in Auckland, New Zealand on Oct. 22 and later became one of five finalists for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athlete of the Month prize. Additionally, the USOC named her its October Athlete of the Month. Stockwell's current event makes its debut at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

World Sport Chicago

world sport chicago

World Sport Chicago

(www.worldsportchicago.org) will launch a new website early next year! While exploring the site, be sure to check out the updates and photos from the fall visits of our World Sport Chicago Athlete Ambassadors. Olympians, Paralympians, hopefuls and elite athletes have visited Chicago schools in force, and WSC and Chicago-area youth are extremely grateful for the past support and continued help going forward! Visits included the Belmont-Cragin Elementary Literacy Night, which featured Eric Aranda, an Olympic hopeful for Mexico in Rugby Sevens, Michael McCahey(fencing, 1984) and Simpson. (Note: Rugby Sevens joins golf as the two Olympic sports return to the competitive program for Rio 2016, along with new Olympic sport kitesurfing. The United States men are the two-time defending Olympic champions from the 1920 and 1924 Olympics, the last time the sport was contested in the Olympic Games.)

Aranda, U.S. Paratriathlete Hailey Danisewicz and McCahey made an earlier WSC Athlete Ambassador visit this fall as well. Other visits were by:Brown (Stagg); Morgan with former U.S. National Team Member Allison Jones, MD (Ruggles); squash players Ed Gadient and Michael McDonald(Lionel Hampton); Mastandrea and Olympic Trials Pole Vaulter Adam Pierson (Christopher); London 2012 Olympian Bob Willis (Locke); soccer 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Danielle Slaton and 2004 Olympian Jeff Smoke (Chicago Youth Centers); as well as the DePaul Cross-Country Team at Skinner North. In addition, Willis, former NBA player and DePaul All-time Leading Rebounder and analyst Dave Corzine, and DePaul soccer players helped dedicate 640 soccer balls, basketballs and footballs to 16 AUSL schools. The balls were donated by Cary Chessick and his organization, Score It Forward, to students and staff at the Howe School of Excellence on Nov. 16. Great stuff!

Email top archer Stephanie Miller at smiller@worldsportchicago.org to get added to the list of WSC Athlete Ambassadors.

Also, visit the WSC site to learn more about the support WSC has given PlayStreets - a collaborative initiative of organizations that includes WSC, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois, the Partnership for a Healthier America and other community-based groups. PlayStreets promotes community health by reclaiming public space for residential use. WSC helped lead the program in 2012 in more than 50 community events and will partner again in 2013 as this initiative goes national in 10 different cities across the nation.

Finally, WSC will launch Fit for Chicago, which brings together individuals to train for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the 17th Annual Chicago Half Marathon. Team members will raise funds for the WSC charity team as they train, and will enjoy exclusive team events and tools for success in both fitness and fundraising goals. To be involved in any of these WSC initiatives - either as a spokesperson or as an official program ambassador - please contact Jason Eby at jeby@worldsportchicago.org.

Once again, our best wishes for Happy Holidays and Lots of Luck and Health in the New Year!

--Diane and Your Midwest Olympians and Paralympians Board

Diane Simpson-Bundy
President, Midwest Chapter
dsb1988@sbcglobal.net

Midwest Chapter
of U.S. Olympians & Paralympians

March 2011

Dear Diane Simpson-Bundy,

Soon the snow will melt, and we will spring forward. But let's look back on this winter's accomplishments and read what our fellow Olympians, Paralympians and coaches are doing for the Olympic and Paralympic movements, and also see what is coming up.

Midwest Chapter officers:

* President - Diane Simpson-Bundy (Gymnastics, 1988)

* Vice President - Tony Brooks (Rowing, 1972, 1976)

* Vice President - Steve Gregg (Swimming, 1976)

* Treasurer - John Vande Velde (Cycling, 1968, 1972)

* Secretary - Linda Mastandrea (Wheelchair Athletics 1992, 1996)

Pay your $30 dues for 2011 to keep the newsletter going. Friends can also support our activities to promote fellowship among Olympians, Paralympians and elite hopefuls in the Midwest. Email john.vandevelde@yahoo.com to donate or update us with your success. Check out news and events at www.midwestolympians.com and www.midwestparalympians.com.

Don't forget to email us at dsb1988@sbcglobal.net if you have upcoming events or information to highlight in future newsletters.

In This Issue

Upcoming Events/Events Held

USOC / USA Paralympics News

Midwest Olympians/Paralympians in the News

World Sport Chicago

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Events / Events Held

Congratulations to Team USA, which captured 34 medals at the IPC Athletics World Championships in January sparked by many of our University of Illinois-based Paralympians. See Midwest Olympians and Paralympians in the News below for some amazing results!

World Sport Chicago hosts many events this spring and summer. Former Northwestern University wide receiver Rasheed Ward (rward@worldsportchicago.org) leads the World Sport Chicago Athlete Ambassador Program on behalf of Bob Berland (judo, 1984, 1988) and WSC President (wrestling, 1988) Bill Scherr, which seeks Olympians, Paralympians, elite athletes and coaches to visit schools several times a year or to participate in programs.

steven alley Former NHL and WHA player Steve Alley (hockey, 1976) www.alleycompanyllc.com is paving the way for athlete involvement at New Life Centers of Chicagoland at www.nlcenters.org in the Little Village neighborhood.

"What I love about New Life Centers is that they are passionate about the positive inroads sports programming can have on reducing gang violence," Alley said. "Simply put, expending youthful energy on the athletic field has proven to reduce violence on the streets, while building self-esteem and teamwork among these youths."

Alley supported a softball league and attended the All-Star game in 2010, and will make an Olympian appearance this spring. New Life Centers of Chicagoland guides "youth, singles and families to abundant life through health, education and employment." Alley and WSC Executive Director Scott Myers are providing counseling advice for the conversion of a large sanctuary into a gymnasium to create a needed sport facility.

Olympians, Paralympians and coaches who hope to attend other World Sport Chicago initiatives such as the WSC Summer Track Program to the Midwest Military Sports Fest-that supports injured or ill military athletes-are invited to get involved in clinics and meets. Please sign up with Jason Eby jeby@worldsportchicago.org for the track program and with Pam Redding predding@worldsportchicago.org for the Military Sports Fest. Be sure to check out www.worldsportchicago.org/about/events-news.aspx for the latest WSC news.

Calling Olympian and Paralympian golfers: "Tee it Up With an Olympic Athlete" at Glen Echo Country Club - the site of the 1904 Olympic golf matches and the oldest 18-hole golf course west of the Mississippi - in St. Louis on Monday, Sept. 19, at 8 a.m. A dinner and auction will be held a day earlier on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Olympians for Olympians Relief Fund (OORF), Camp Rainbow, the Bob Costas Cancer Center at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, and the MO-IL Chapter of U.S. Olympians and Paralympians. Contact President John "Big Jake" Carenza (soccer, 1976) at bigjake09usa@yahoo.com or at 314-662-4990 if you're interested.

USOC / USA Paralympics in the News

World Fit programs are being held after Spring Break across the nation. Students will walk, talk and be inspired by Olympians, Paralympians, teachers and other leaders at more than 100 schools and at some afterschool programs during the six-week program with the goal to walk 60 miles. World Fit is a U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Association initiative targeted to help curb the alarming rates of childhood obesity and to improve overall health and attitudes toward fitness. The expanded World Fit Buddy System adds support as the buddy donates half his or her miles to World Fit students at the program conclusion. World Fit (www.worldfit.org) offers the President's Active Lifestyle Award certificate to outstanding students-in addition to the other World Fit certificates and medals.

Midwest Olympians/Paralympians in the News

Four-time Ice Dancing World Medalist and Olympic Silver Medalist Ben Agosto (figure skating, 2006, 2010) and Olympic champion and Sullivan Award Finalist Evan Lysacek (figure skating, 2006, 2010) visit Allstate Arena for the Smucker's Stars on Ice Tour on March 12, along with other champion skaters. Naperville's Lysacek appeared in hockey skates at the John Hancock Center's Skating in the Sky rink located on the 94^th floor observatory deck on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Olympic figure skating hopeful Jason Brown of Highland Park totaled 185.44 points - a personal best - to place seventh in his first Junior World Championships held in South Korea. He was sixth in the free skate.

Defending champion Kelci Bryant (diving, 2008) won the women's 1-meter springboard title and claimed her eighth career national title at USA Diving's Winter National Championships in Iowa City, Iowa.

University of Illinois athletes Ryan Chalmers (1,500 meters, marathon), Aaron Pike (800, 1,500, marathon) and Brian Siemann (100, 200, 400), and Minnesota native Krista Plykki (400), competed at the International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championhips in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Two-time Olympic champion Shani Davis (speedskating, 2006, 2010) won the 1,500-meter World Cup final and a fourth straight World Cup season title in the 1,500 meters in Heerenveen, The Netherlands, on March 4. He became the first man to win four titles since the World Cup circuit started in 1985 and is one win away from Olympic Gold Medalist Dan Jansen's American record of 46 victories.

angali forber pratt Two-time Paralympic Bronze Medalist Anjali Forber-Pratt (athletics, 2008) of Savoy dominated in a meet-record 29.83 en route to winning the gold medal in the 200 meters and won silver in the 100 and 400 of the T53 wheelchair division at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships. She was also fourth in the 800. Forber-Pratt was recognized at center court with a standing ovation on March 4 with the "Hero Among Us" Award at the Boston Garden before the Celtics game v. the Golden State Warriors.

Dan Gable failed to give up a point en route to winning the gold medal at the 1972 Olympic Games. Find out what he's doing now at: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=s56klmcab&et=1104772676466&s=546&e=001DMfyJ_YkMUu9-BtAeEMDF3QmMc74Jy9wV9McX3UlLw6Yf4GUR0Z6HIkgb4US5yNFbP0ta_1L1AG2rnXjUVrwiXTTHAhB673Wt09XMyBoV2-vvB9-pr4YOpnllx_XCQXewqrbAhTabwgR3YZlPoSdOyE1Xujk4hPeTTjj7wGIxDXAd9cVNxXia4ycIytElCyAFUKfnu7UDXpErn7Kf0aW2CiyPkyfIq93vwCCHhfoboWgJobkP_bK_g==

Ron Galimore (gymnastics, 1980), the first African American named to a U.S. Olympic team in gymnastics and the son of the late Chicago Bears running back Willie Galimore, has been promoted to chief operating officer at USA Gymnastics. Galimore, a U.S. champion on floor and vault and the NCAA's first four-year gymnastics champion, served as U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team leader at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. Galimore served formerly as USA Gymnastics vice president of events, Olympic relations and men's program.

Paralympic Games Gold Medalist Jessica Galli (athletics, 2000, 2004, 2008), who claimed five medals at the Beijing Games and was the U.S. Olympic Committee's 2007 Paralympian of the Year, won bronze in the T53 800 meters and finished fourth in three other races at the IPC Worlds.

Annie Haeger of Lake Forest and 470 class partner Briana Provancha have been selected for the U.S. Sailing Development Team. Windsurfer Bob Willis (RS: X) continues his campaign for 2012 as a member of the U.S. Sailing Team, while Paralympic Bronze Medalist and 2009 World Champion John Ruf (sailing, 2008) of Pewaukee, Wis., competes in 2.4mR.

Brian Hansen of Glenview, the 2010 Junior Allround World Champion in the 1,000 and 1,500 meters, won a bronze medal in the 1,500 meters at the 2011 World Allround Championships in Calgary to finish sixth overall. Champaign, Ill.'s Jonathan Kuck-the 2010 World Allround Overall Championships Silver Medalist-was fifth, including a silver medal with a personal best time of 1:43.12 in the 1,500, while 2005, 2006 World Allround Champion Davis placed seventh overall this season. Hansen and Kuck teamed with Kuck and Chad Hedrick to win a silver medal at the 2010 Olympic Games in the team pursuit.

Olympic Balance Beam Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson (gymnastics, 2008) of West Des Moines, Iowa, has joined the Board of Trustees for the Women's Sports Foundation. The Dancing With The Stars and 2007 World All-Around champion has also been added to the U.S. Senior National Team as she trains for London 2012.

Highland Park hopeful Jazzy Kerber took second at the Rhythmic Challenge at the Olympic Training Center on March 6 and won four medals at the Montreal International Invitational including the clubs gold medal, hoop silver medal and bronze medals in ball and ribbon.

Deerfield native Christina Loukas (diving, 2008) claimed her ninth title in women's 3-meter springboard at the U.S. National Championships in an unprecedented two-way tie with Cassidy Krug. The duo tallied 339.60 points apiece.

During the IPC Worlds, Tatyana McFadden (athletics, 2004, 2008) set two meet championship records that have stood since 1994 to win gold medals in the T54 800 and 1,500 meters. McFadden broke Louise Sauvage and Jean Driscoll's records respectively, won gold medals in both the 200 and 400, and added a bronze in the 100 meters.

Amanda McGrory (athletics, 2008) captured the gold medal in the 800 meters in a meet-record 1:53.29, won a gold medal in the 5,000 meters, and added bronze medals in the 400 and the marathon at the IPC World Championships.

Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame member Scottie Pippen (basketball, 1992, 1996) joined Comcast SportsNet's team as Bulls game analyst this month. The six-time NBA champion isn't the only family member on television. Pippen's wife, Larsa, is now a star on the "Real Housewives of Miami."

Olympic Individual Silver and Bronze Relay Medalist Katherine Reutter (speedskating, 2010) won the overall 2010-2011 World Cup championship title in the 1,000 and 1,500 and secured the No. 1 ranking in her sport. She became the first woman to win a short track World Cup season title with her victory in the 1,500 in Dresden, Germany. She won a second straight title a day later as she claimed the 1,000. Reutter joined teammates including Lana Gehring of Glenview (speedskating, 2010) to defeat Korea in the 3,000-meter relay at the same event. The wins are remarkable given that Reutter-the first U.S. woman to win an individual Olympic medal in short track speedskating since 1994-has fought pain from a torn labrum and a 2010 hip surgery.

Oak Park Paralympian and Iraq War veteran Melissa Stockwell (swimming, 2008), has been named Paratriathlon Athlete of the Year, presented by Accenture. Stockwell was the top women's Tri2 finisher at the 2010 ITU Paratriathlon World Championship and took second in the division at the U.S. championships. To Read More.

World Sport Chicago

For more WSC details, head to the Web site at www.worldsportchicago.org
Email Amanda Sowa asowa@worldsportchicago.org or call 312-861-4860.

Mark Your Calendar - World Sport Chicago supported events

April 19 - West Haven Community Events, Crane High School, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

April 23 - East Garfield Park

April 19-22 - City Year Spring Break Camp, LaFollette; Gage or Hamilton parks 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

May - Archery championship, U.S. Cellular Field

June 4 - World Sport Chicago Wrestling Festival, Navy Pier

June - Chicago Cup International Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship

June (late) to mid-August - World Sport Chicago Summer Track Program, (new community format)

July 21-24 - Cover Girl Classic Gymnastics meet, UIC Pavilion

August 23-26 - Midwest Military Sports Fest

Sept. 17 - 2^nd Annual Family Sports Festival, Montrose Park

On behalf of the Midwest Officers, I hope you enjoyed reading this and let us know if you have any news items or photos to share for our upcoming issue. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Diane Simpson-Bundy
President, Midwest Chapter
dsb1988@sbcglobal.net

Midwest Chapter
of U.S. Olympians & Paralympians

December 2010

Dear Diane Simpson-Bundy,

Happy Holidays! We hope you had a great Thanksgiving. As you continue to celebrate with your fellow athletes, families, friends and co-workers this season, please take a moment to reflect on both the accomplishments and the challenges of 2010, what we have to look forward to in 2011 and beyond, and how our lives are changed forever through the sprit of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.

On a bright note, we announce the appointment of a new vice president, Tony Brooks, by the Midwest Chapter Board. Brooks stroked the 4 without coxswain at the 1976 Olympic Games in rowing to an eighth-place finish and was alternate for the silver medal-winning eight at the 1972 Olympic Games. The 1975 Pan American Games bronze medalist (4+) and two-time World Championships Team Member gives back to the Olympic Movement not only through his service as head coach for St. Ignatius College Prep crew and as varsity girls coach, but also as a volunteer on behalf of World Sport Chicago. Brooks serves as managing director-Chicago for The Ansley Consulting Group and is a graduate of Harvard University (cum laude) and Harvard Business School. Congratulations Tony!
It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Meta Neumann Elste (gymnastics, 1948, 1952) of Morton Grove, who exemplified the Olympic Spirit and served as a role model throughout her life. She was 91. Ms. Elste and her 1948 teammates became the first team to win an Olympic medal in women's gymnastics when they won bronze. Thanks to the U.S. Olympic Committee's U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Manager Cindy Stinger and Christine Taylor for supplying a flag and letter for the memorial and to Jackie Klein Fie (gymnastics, 1956) for meeting with the family. To Read More (Tribune); To Read More (Sun-Times).

Midwest Chapter officers:

* President - Diane Simpson-Bundy (Gymnastics, 1988)

* Vice President - Tony Brooks (Rowing, 1972, 1976)

* Vice President - Steve Gregg (Swimming, 1976)

* Treasurer - John Vande Velde (Cycling, 1968, 1972)

* Secretary - Linda Mastandrea (Wheelchair Athletics 1992, 1996)

Find news and events at www.midwestolympians.com and www.midwestparalympians.com. We are now accepting names and bios with paid dues of $30 for 2011 for posting to our website. We can provide a free link to Olympian and Paralympian websites. Or please support our activities to promote fellowship among Olympians, Paralympians and elite hopefuls in the Midwest. Email john.vandevelde@yahoo.com to donate or to update us with your success.
Don't forget to email us at dsb1988@sbcglobal.net if you have upcoming events or information to highlight in future newsletters.

In This Issue

Upcoming Events/Events Held

USOC / U.S. Paralympics News

Midwest Olympians/Paralympians in the News

World Sport Chicago

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Events / Events Held

Chicago Sports Fest - December 18-19
Olympians, Paralympians, coaches and their families are invited to visit the newly named Chicago Sports Fest (the annual Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival) on Dec. 18-19 at McCormick Place. World Sport Chicago hosts an interactive area from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Kids will try various sports and find out how to get more involved. Email Amanda Sowa at asowa@worldsportchicago.org to learn more and to receive parking instructions.

Athlete Ambassadors Meeting

Thanks to World Sport Chicago, which hosted an Athlete Ambassadors meeting in September in Greektown. Steve Alley, hockey, 1976, Brooks, Chair and WSC Board Member Bob Berland (judo, 1984, 1988), Midwest Chapter Secretary Linda Mastandrea (athletics, 1992, 1996), WSC Board Member Jack Rusher (rowing, 1992, 1996), WSC President Bill Scherr (wrestling, 1988), and Midwest Chapter President Diane Simpson-Bundy (gymnastics, 1988), joined WSC Executive Director Scott Myers, Amanda Sowa and Alex Davies, and Chip Hardt and Tony Lorenz at the meeting.

USOC / U.S. Paralympics in the News

Cast Your Ballots

Don't forget that Olympians have until Dec. 10 to cast their ballots for U.S. Olympians and Paralympians vice presidents. Although Paralympians were included officially into the national organization during the U.S. Olympic Assembly this fall, a ballot process is still being determined for the new Paralympian vice president.

World Fit Expanded Support

World Fit is an initiative of the U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Association targeted to help curb the alarming rates of childhood obesity and to improve overall health and attitudes toward fitness. World Fit will participate in the President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program. World Fit athletes can earn the President's Active Lifestyle Award certificate-in addition to the World Fit certificates and medals. We're still looking for volunteers to help grow World Fit to 200 programs in 2011. During the six-week program, middle school students across the nation will walk, talk and be inspired by Olympians, Paralympians, teachers and other community leaders as they improve their fitness and well-being, and gain discipline and confidence with the goal to walk 60 miles. Adopt a school today at:www.worldfit.org.

Midwest Olympians/Paralympians in the News

Four-time Ice Dancing World Medalists Ben Agosto (figure skating, 2006, 2010) and Tanith Belbin took part in October's 2010 All That Skate LA figure skating spectacular at the Staples Center. Agosto, who grew up in Northbrook, Ill., teamed with Belbin to win silver at the 2006 Olympic Games.

Mackenzie Caquatto, a Naperville native and Olympic hopeful, helped vault Team USA to the silver medal at the 2010 World Gymnastics Championships. Caquatto trains at Legacy Elite Gymnastics under Olympic medalists Jiani Wu and Yuejiu Li, who both medaled for China at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Two-time Olympic champion and current World Cup leader Shani Davis (speedskating, 2006, 2010) commands the oval this season. Davis edged rival Simon Kuipers in 1 minute, 45.04 seconds to win the 1,500 meters and claim his second consecutive World Cup race this season in Heerenveen, Netherlands. In Berlin, Davis recorded his second straight 1,000 meter victory in 1:08.82. He took third at the Essent ISU World Cup in Hamar, Norway.

Hopeful Michael Devine of Winnebago, Ill., competed in the Pan American Cup 2010 in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Dec. 4. The meet served as a trampoline selection for the 2011 Pan American Games.

Two-time Paralympic Medalist Anjali Forber-Pratt (athletics, 2008) of Savoy has added another chapter. After taking fourth in the wheelchair division at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, she is now an author. Her educational coloring book for kids, "All About Sports: For Athletes with Physical Disabilities," has arrived. The book tells Forber-Pratt's story and showcases four sports-wheelchair racing, wheelchair basketball, sled hockey and downhill skiing, while educating about the Paralympics and disabled sports.

Glenview, Ill.'s Lana Gehring (speedskating, 2010) teamed with Champaign's Katherine Reutter, Jessica Smith and Morgan Izykowski, both of Michigan, at the ISU Short Track World Cup in Quebec. Reutter (speedskating, 2010) secured the lead in the world cup 1,000 meter-rankings with a silver medal in the 1,000 finals. Both Gehring and Reutter have recorded wins-with Reutter adding second-place finishes- in international races this season.

Olympic judo hopeful Max Golembo of Vernon Hills celebrated his 17th birthday as he became the first U.S. man since 1992 to fight for a medal at the Junior World Championships held in Ajadir, Morocco in October. He finished fifth. Another Chicagoan, Lydia Au, competed in the 63-kilogram division.

Cammi Granato (hockey) joined Canadian Four-time World Champion Angela James as the first female players inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame last month. Granato, a 1998 Olympic gold and 2002 silver medal winner and the younger sister of former NHL player Tony Granato, hails from Downers Gove, Ill. She runs an annual summer hockey camp in Chicago.

Olympic Silver Medalist Morgan Hamm (gymnastics, 2000, 2004) appeared with other fellow elite gymnasts, including Belleville, Ill.'s Wes Haagensen during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Meanwhile, Hamm's brother, Paul, the 2004 Olympic Champion has left Chicago to train for London 2012 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Fresh off their first trip to the World Championships in Moscow, Shelby Kisiel, Glenview's Michelle Przybylo and Deerfield's Sydney Sachs have joined North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center group teammates to compete at the 2010 Pan American Championships Dec. 2-5 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Northbrook teammate Stephanie Flaksman and JoAnna Arnold also competed at worlds this fall.

Champaign, Ill.'s World Allround Championships Silver Medalist Jonathan Kuck (speedskating, 2010) won a silver medal in a personal-best 6:18.85 in the 5,000 meters at the Essent ISU World Cup in Berlin. He also recorded a top-10 finish in Hamar, Norway in the 10,000. Kuck teamed with Glenview's Brian Hansen and Chad Hedrick to win a silver medal at the 2010 Olympic Games in the team pursuit.

Paralympian Gold Medalist Amanda McGrory (athletics, 2008) of Savoy, Ill., bested 2009 defending champion Tatyana McFadden (athletics, 2004, 2008) and Forber-Pratt (third) to win her third Bank of America Chicago Marathon in the wheelchair division in 1:47.25. McGrory, who medaled in four of five events at the 2008 Paralympic Games also claimed the Oita Marathon in 1:44.38 and took third in the ING New York City Marathon. McFadden won in New York and won a silver and a bronze at the Paralympic Games in Athens, as well as three silvers and a bronze in Beijing. The three of them train at the University of Illinois, along with four-time Paralympics Medalist Josh George (athletics, basketball 2000, 2004, athletics, 2008) and U.S. Olympic Committee Coach of the Year and Paralympics Silver Medalist Adam Bleakney (athletics, 2004, 2008), former wheelchair-division Chicago Marathon winners who raced in both Chicago and New York with top-10 finishes.

Downers Grove North's Haley Sims continued the successful family swimming tradition and was named the Chicago Tribune/WGN Ch.-9 Preps Plus Athlete of the Month after she won individual state championships in the 200-yard individual medley and the butterfly, and helped set a state meet record in the 200 medley relay in 1 minute, 44.3 seconds with sisters, Gabby (second 100 freestyle, backstroke) and Maddy, and Allison Soper at the Illinois Girls Swimming and Diving State Championships. Her father, David Sims (swimming, 1980), won the 500 freestyle in 1980 for Joliet Catholic, while brother, Burke claimed the title in the same event for DGN, setting a state record, back in 2009. Haley Sims will join her brother next year at Stanford, her father's alma mater.

Paralympian and Iraq War veteran Melissa Stockwell (swimming, 2008) donated her time as a prosthetist in Guatemala this October as part of the Range of Motion Project (ROMP). ROMP provides artificial limbs and orthotic braces to those who do not have access to these services.

Christian Vande Velde (cycling, 2000, 2008) fought back from crashes at the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France to race at the Vuelta a Espana and later at the World Road Championships held in Australia.

Former World Champion Debi Thomas, MD, (figure skating, 1988) - the first black from any nation to medal in the Winter Olympic Games with her bronze in Calgary - joined other orthopedic surgeons on a mission to Katmandu, Nepal, in September as part of the Women Orthopaedist Global Outreach. WOGO is a non-profit volunteer medical service organization that provides free hip and joint replacement surgeries to underserved Nepalese women who suffer from arthritis.

Three-time Olympic Team Member and two-time World Cross-Country Champion Craig Virgin (athletics, 1976, 1980, 1984) was elected to the 2010 USA Track and Field Hall of Fame but has asked to differ his induction ceremony until next year when the ceremony will be held in St. Louis. Virgin serves as the Mo-IL Chapter of US Olympians and Paralympians vice president.

Paralympian Sam Williams (boccia, 2004) served as keynote speaker at the 19th Annual Thonar Award ceremony held at Rush University Medical Center. The Thonar Award is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant impact on disability awareness at Rush.

World Sport Chicago

The U.S. Olympic Committee has named World Sport Chicago as a Community Olympic Development Program partner. World Sport Chicago, which has exposed more than 30,000 youth to Olympic and Paralympic sports through clinics and programs in the Chicagoland area, will focus on further research into the role sports can play to impact and to improve young people's lives in U.S. urban cities.

World Sport Chicago's Urban Youth Sports Institute will manage the research and help bridge the gap among policy makers, sports organizations, coaches, parents and participants, while it offers insight and improvement recommendations.

"World Sport Chicago is pleased to be selected by the USOC as a CODP partner as we continue to focus on making a significant global contribution to sport as a social development tool," Pat Ryan, chairman of World Sport Chicago, said. "We have teamed with local universities to begin research efforts in understanding how sport can reduce youth violence and how coaches in urban centers can be better prepared to help youth address the many challenges they face. We will continue to partner with academic institutes to understand how participation in sport can be used as a catalyst for social change."

WSC is now one of eight Community Olympic Development Programs in the country that includes the Central Cross Country Ski Association in Verona, Wis.

"The USOC applauds World Sport Chicago's efforts to grow the Olympic and Paralympic Movement in greater Chicago , as well as to provide research that will positively impact youth around the country," Alicia McConnell , USOC director of athlete services, said. "They have already initiated innovative ways to create collaborative partnerships in urban environments to develop opportunities for youth to participate in sport, and we look forward to working with them as a Community Olympic Development Program."

For more WSC details, head to the Web site at www.worldsportchicago.org
Email Amanda Sowa asowa@worldsportchicago.org or call 312-861-4860.

Mark Your Calendar - World Sport Chicago supported events

Chicago Sports Fest Dec. 18-19, 2010

Archery championship, U.S. Cellular Field, Spring or Summer 2011 Date TBD

Chicago Cup International Rhythmic Gymnastics championship, June at the Broadway Armory

Cover Girl Classic Gymnastics meet, July 21 at UIC Pavilion

Paralympic Warrior Games, August 2011

2^nd Annual Family Sports Festival, August or September 2011

On behalf of the Midwest Officers, I'd like to wish you a wonderful holiday season! I hope you enjoyed reading this and let us know if you have any news items or photos to share for our upcoming issue. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Diane Simpson-Bundy
President, Midwest Chapter
dsb1988@sbcglobal.net

WORLD SPORT CHICAGO

Email: info@worldsportchicago.org

Quick Links

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U.S. Olympians Association

USOC

U.S. Paralympics

Contact Us

Membership
Update

MIDWEST CHAPTER SUPPORTERS

Members are stepping forward to pay their dues these past several years! The dues help keep the chapter active and this newsletter going.

2010 Paid Members:

Tony Brooks
(rowing, 1972, 1976)

Chuck Burke
(speedskating, 1952, 1956)

Frank T. Burns
(paralympic coach, 1988, 2000)

Ella Chafee
(swimming, 1964, 1968; athletics, 1968; fencing, 1996)

Ian Chafee
(Paralympic team manager, 1976, 1980, 1984)

Hope Chafee
(swimming, 1964, 1968; archery, 1976)

Jeanne Collier
(diving, 1964)

Steve Gregg, PhD (swimming, 1976)

Brian Hansen
(speedskating, 2010)

John MacAloon, PhD
(IOC historian)

Linda Mastandrea (athletics, 1992, 1996)

Twila Majkowski
(cross-country skiing, 1976)

Andy Rein
(wrestling, 1980, 1984)

Bill Scherr
(wrestling, 1988)

Diane Simpson-Bundy (gymnastics, 1988)

Marilee Stepan Wehman (swimming, 1952)

John Vande Velde
(cycling, 1968, 1972)

Dues are $30 annually and are much appreciated. President Diane Simpson-Bundy accepts checks payable to:
Midwest Chapter of U.S. Olympians and Paralympians
a 501(c)(7) organization. Mail to: 1849 Winnetka Rd., Northfield IL 60093.

Our Sponsors

Would you like to sponsor this spot?

Olympians and Paralympians will support your business if they know about it!

Contact Diane Simpson-Bundy for details.

Midwest Chapter
of U.S. Olympians & Paralympians

July 2010

It's official! The sites www.midwestolympians.com and www.midwestparalympians.com have launched. Catch the latest news about upcoming events and related opportunities. List your name and bio with paid dues of $30 to treasurer John Vande Velde. Have your company donate or sponsor our activities and mission to support Olympic Movement ideals and fellowship among Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls.

Midwest Chapter officers:
* President - Diane Simpson-Bundy (Gymnastics, 1988)
* Vice President - Kevin Bracken (Wrestling, 2000)
* Vice President - Steve Gregg (Swimming, 1976)
* Treasurer - John Vande Velde (Cycling, 1968, 1972)
* Secretary - Linda Mastandrea (Wheelchair Athletics 1992, 1996)

Don't forget to email us at dsb1988@sbcglobal.net if you have upcoming events or information to highlight in future newsletters.

In This Issue

Athletes Needed

Thank you!

USOC / U.S. Paralympic News

Midwest Olympians/Paralympians in the News

World Sport Chicago

Mark Your Calendar

Athletes Needed

National Junior Disability Championships - July 18
The National Junior Disability Championships Opening Ceremonies is July 18 at 7 p.m. at Deerfield High School in Deerfield. Call or email Steve Brockway at stevebrockway@gmail.com or 773-704-9779 to participate.
Paralympians, Olympians and coaches are invited to lead athletes around the track in their Paralympic or Olympic garb and to say a few words of encouragement. A meet-and-greet follows at the Hyatt afterward. Title sponsor World Sport Chicago, Wheelchair Sports, USA, Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association and U.S. Paralympics are among the organizations supporting the event held July 17-24.

World Harmony Run - July 26
The World Harmony Run hits Chicago July 26. Multiple activities, including a run through the Lincoln Park Zoo with the torch of peace, and an event at Soldier Field are happening around the city, and Olympians and Paralypians are asked to participate. Kindly RSVP to Diane Simpson-Bundy (gymnastics, 1988) immediately at dsb1988@sbcglobal.net or 847-452-7843 for further information.

Thank you!

June 23 Olympic Day Participants - Thank you!
A cheer for all the Olympians, Paralympians, hopefuls and coaches who participated in Olympic Day activities. More than 300 Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls took part in more than 250 U.S. communities at more than 300 Olympic Day events. The United States was one of about 200 nations taking part that included 40 athletes and coaches in 44 communities at 50 events in the Midwest. Local highlights include: A Spring Hill Gymnastics visit by Simpson-Bundy as Elgin Mayor Edward Schock proclaimed Olympic Day on June 23. (www.suburbanchicagonews.com)

Thanks to Midwest Olympic Day participants!
Steve Alley
Ato Boldon
Terry Brahm
Amber Campbell
John Carenza
Kip Carpenter
Ollan Cassell
Joetta Clark-Diggs
Caitlin Compton
Mike Gattone (coach)
Matt Ghaffari
JoAnn Grissom
Brian Hansen
Joanna Hayes
Hank Johnson
Cullen Jones
Garrott Kuzzy
Richard Maskel (USOC)
Michael McCahey
Gary Morgan
Bill Mulliken
Dan O'Brien
David Oliver
Lea Ann Parsley
Mike Peplinski
Brent Rasmussen
Jillian Rookard
Michael Shine
Diane Simpson-Bundy
Criss Somerlot
Melissa Stockwell
Nancy Swider-Peltz, Jr.
Connie Teaberry
James Terpenning
Chris Thompson
Ron Urick
John Vande Velde
Jesse Vetter
Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej

At screening of warrior athletes National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame
- Thank you!
On behalf of film star war veteran and Paralympian American-record holder Melissa Stockwell (swimming, 2008), thanks to the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame for hosting a screening of Warrior Champions www.warriorchampions.com and to World Sport Chicago, including Chairman Patrick Ryan and Director of Paralympic Sport and Accessibility Pam Redding (swimming coach, 1996, 2004; team leader, 2000).
NIASHOF inductee Linda Mastandrea (athletics, 1992, 1996) led off the remarks, along with Mr. Ryan and Redding. Ella Chafee (swimming, 1964, 1968; athletics, 1968; fencing, 1996) and Ian Chafee (Paralympic team manager, 1976, 1980, 1984), Steve Gregg (swimming, 1976), Gary Morgan (athletics, 1988), Simpson-Bundy, Bob Szyman, PhD, (wheelchair basketball coach, 1976, 1980, 1984; wheelchair team leader, 1988; 1984 Olympic Games wheelchair athletics; archery, 1996; Assistant Technical Director, wheelchair basketball, 2000), and Chicago 2016's Chris Simek and other colleagues attended the brilliant evening that included a panel discussion by Stockwell, filmmaker/co-director Craig Renaud and two local Paralympic military athletes, Chad Watson and Steve Baskis. Look closely at the film and hear and catch a glimpse of Paralympic Medalist and Desert Storm/Desert Shield veteran John Register (swimming, 1996; athletics, 2000), formerly of Oak Park.

World Sport Chicago and Rosebud Restaurants - Thank you!
Thanks to World Sport Chicago and Rosebud Restaurants (a special thanks to WSC Executive Director Scott Myers and Rosebud's Joe Ahern) for hosting a World Sport Chicago Athlete Ambassador Program meeting at Rosebud Prime on May 20 in conjunction with our annual meeting. Myers, WSC President Bill Scherr (wrestling, 1988) and Bob Berland (judo, 1984, 1988; coach, 2004) http://beworldclass.com presented to more than 20 athletes, several coaches and other supporters who attended, including the USOC's Abigail Tompkins, world marathoner Sarah Ames, and Randy Wostratzky and karate world age-group champ Peter Delneky, formerly of Chicago 2016's Next Generation Leadership Advisory Council.

Attendees list:
Sarah Ames (world marathoner)
Bob Beamon (athletics, 1968) plus one (Rhonda)
Bob Berland (judo, 1984, 1988)
Tony Brooks (rowing, 1972, 1976)
Carol Brown (rowing, 1976, 1980, 1984)
Frank T. Burns (Paralympic coach, 1988, 2000)
Ella Chafee (swimming, 1964, 1968; athletics, 1968; fencing, 1996)
Ian Chafee (Paralympic team manager, 1976, 1980, 1984)
Mike Gattone (coach and owner, Windy City Weightlifting)
Steve Gregg (swimming, 1976)
Brian Hansen (speedskating, 2010)
Kenny Johnson (boccia, 1992, 1996)
Larry Langowski (wrestling, 2008)
Gary Morgan (athletics, 1988)
Bill Mulliken (swimming, 1960)
Adam Pierson (Olympic Trials, 2008)
Bill Scherr (wrestling, 1988)
Diane Simpson (gymnastics, 1988)
Ann Swisshelm (curling, 2002)
Bela Szabados (swimming, 1992, 1996, 2000)
Bob Szyman, PhD (Paralympic coach, 1976, 1980, 1984)
Celine Thum (U.S. Badminton National Team)
Steve Williams (athletics, 1980)
Also:
Scott Myers, WSC
Randy Wostratzky, Chicago 2016 NGLAC
Abigail Tompkins, USOC
Peter Delneky (formerly of Chicago 2016's Next Generation Leadership Advisory Council)

Olympians at "Putting for Scholars" Event - Thank you!
A round of applause to Olympians Tony Brooks (rowing, 1972, 1976), Tom Pukstys (athletics, 1992, 1996), Scherr (wrestling, 1988) and 400-meter hurdles Olympic gold medal winner Kevin Young (athletics, 1992), who supported Olympic Gold Medalist Bob Beamon (athletics, 1968) Assoc. Athletic Director and Paralympic coach/professor Bob Szyman, PhD, at the "Putting for Scholars" Event at the University Club on June 9.

USOC / U.S. Paralympics News

ESPY Award Nominations Are Open - Vote Now!
Goaltender Steve Cash (sled hockey, 2006, 2010), who recorded four straight shut outs and 33 saves en route to Paralympic gold at the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games after he claimed a bronze in 2006, has been nominated in the Best Male Athlete with a Disability category.
Chicago native Shani Davis (speedskating, 2006, 2010) and Evan Lysacek (figure skating, 2010) of Naperville are nominees for Best U.S. Olympic Athlete. Davis defended his gold medal from 2006 in winning the 1,000 meters at the 2010 Olympic Games and won a silver medal for a second time in the 1,500 to total four medals in two Olympic Games. Lysacek defeated 2006 Olympic champion Evegeny Plushenko in the free skate in men's figure skating to end the Russian gold-medal streak that dates to 1992. To Read More and To Vote Now

WorldFIT Continues to Grow
WorldFIT, an initiative of the US Olympians Association to increase worldwide fitness co-created by three-time Olympic Medalist Gary Hall (swimming, 1968, 1972, 1976), continues to grow.
More than 7,200 middle school students across the country walked more than 760,000 miles in six weeks to close out the spring. Students walk, talk and are inspired by Olympians and Paralympians, teachers and others as they improve physical health and gain discipline and confidence fueled by a common goal to walk 60 miles in six weeks. Next year, Hall plans to expand WorldFIT to 200 schools. So sign up to adopt a school as Olympian and Paralympian leaders today. Visit: www.worldfit.org for more information.

Midwest Olympians/Paralympians in the News

Six 2010 Winter Olympians helped spark the Chicago Blackhawks to the NHL Stanley Cup in a thrilling 4-2 series victory v. the Philadelphia Flyers, which came down to an overtime goal by Patrick Kane (United States) in the final game. Congratulations to Marian Hossa (Slovakia), Kane, Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith (Canada), Tomas Kopecky (Slovakia), Brent Seabrook (Canada) and series MVP Jonathan Toews (Canada) for the first Cup victory since 1961!

chesson at chicago fire

Lisa Chesson (hockey, 2010) visited the Chicago Fire 1-1 tie game v. the F.C. Dallas on May 27 to serve as honorary flag raiser complete with her silver medal
from Vancouver. Frank Klopas (soccer, 1988) serves as technical director of the Chicago Fire, while Brian McBride (soccer, 2008) plays striker.

Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist Cammi Granato (hockey, 1998, 2002) will join star Angela James of Canada as the first two women inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada. The duo were two of the first three women inducted into the International Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008.

Brad Guzan (soccer, 2008) was named to the U.S. Men's National Team in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Guzan serves as the back up goalkeeper to starter Tim Howard.

U.S. Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior National Team Member Jazzy Kerber of Highland Park, Ill. - identified by Chicago 2016 as a 2016 hopeful - won a gold medal in the ball event finals (24.225) of the 2010 Chicago Cup held at Chicago's Broadway Armory and claimed (24.225) and three silver medals in rope (23.375), hoop (23.975) and clubs (24.100). Thanks to USA Gymnastics, WSC and the Chicago Park District for their help at the event.

Olympic champion Lysacek racked up the highest scores from the judges during the last two days of dances at Dancing With the Stars but finished second after the final online and phone-in balloting.

Twelve athletes were nominated to the 2010 UCI Road World Championships Aug. 19-22 in Baie-Comeau, Canada, following the conclusion of the Paralympic Road Nationals on June 25, including Chicago native Greta Neimanas (cycling, 2008), a two-time Road World Championships medalist.
To Read More

The U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team - ranked No. 2 in the world - defeated Finland June 26 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-19, 25-23), just a day after a loss in five sets in FIVB World League pool play at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Olympic Gold Medalist Sean Rooney (volleyball, 2008) of Wheaton, Ill., is on the roster.

Connie Moore, who made the U.S. Olympic Team sprint relay pool in 2004, claimed the 200 meters in 22.40 seconds - fourth fastest in the world this season - at Drake Stadium on June 27 at the U.S. Championships. The South Shore High School and Penn State graduate came out of retirement and moved to Chula Vista to train with Paralympic champion April Holmes after the Chicago 2016 bid effort. Moore trains under coach Al Joyner, who won the triple jump at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

World Sport Chicago

Make A Splash Program
USA Swimming Foundation Olympians Rowdy Gaines (1984) and butterfly specialist Mel Stewart (1992) joined Cullen Jones to "Make A Splash" at World Sport Chicago's Learn to Swim program at Douglas Park on June 22. The trio headlined the US Olympic Committee-supported Olympic Day events throughout Chicagoland through their efforts to teach kids to swim. To Read More.

Mayor Daley's Summer Track Program
Mayor Daley's Summer Track Program is heating up again. Any interested former track and field athletes who would like to conduct a clinic, or attend meets or practices, please call Jason Eby at: 312-861-4843 or email him at: jeby@worldsportchicago.org.
Also new this summer is that track program participants can enter "Meet an Olympian" to win a chance to meet Kipchoge "Kip" Keino (athletics, 1968, 1972), two-time Olympic champion (1,500 meters, 3,000-meter steeplechase), Kenya Olympic Committee Chairman and International Olympic Committee Member.

For more WSC details, head to the Web site at www.worldsportchicago.org
You can also email Amanda Sowa at asowa@worldsportchicago.org or call her at: 312 861-4860.

Mark Your Calendar

July 9-11 The Chicago Park District will host 60 players from across the country at the 2010 Boccia National Championships held at Curie Park at 4949 South Archer July 9-11. World Sport Chicago and Blaze Sports America are proud to support the event. Elmhurst native and Paralympian Sam Williams (boccia, 2004) will welcome the players to Chicago. Boccia is played by individuals who are affected in all four limbs by their disability regardless of age or gender. Contact Dan Tun of the Chicago Park District (Daniel.tun@chicagoparkdistrict.com) to volunteer.

July 10-11 The U.S. men battle Italy July 10-11 in FIVB Men's World League Volleyball at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. www.searscentre.com/events/127

July 17-24 The National Junior Disability Championships will be held July 17-24 in Deerfield. www.njdc2010.org

July 23-25 The 2010 Cover Girl Classic in women's artistic gymnastics is coming to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago on July 23-25 thanks to partners WSC, USA Gymnastics and the Chicago Park District. See the best and brightest as they try to qualify for the VISA Championships in Hartford, Conn.
www.usa-gymnastics.org

September 29-30 WSC/Beyond Sport host the Beyond Sport Summit 2010 bin Chicago. Michael Johnson (athletics,1992, 1996, 2000) and Ian Thorpe (swimming, 2000, 2004) are featured speakers at the symposium that celebrates, promotes and drives-forward social change.

On behalf of the Midwest Officers, I'd like to wish you a wonderful 4th of July weekend! I hope you enjoyed reading this and let us know if you have any news items or photos to share for our upcoming issue. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Diane Simpson-Bundy
President, Midwest Chapter
dsb1988@sbcglobal.net

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Membership
Update

MIDWEST CHAPTER SUPPORTERS

Members are stepping forward to pay their dues these past several years! The dues help keep the chapter active and this newsletter going.

2010 Paid Members:

Tony Brooks
(rowing, 1972, 1976)

Chuck Burke
(speedskating, 1952, 1956)

Frank T. Burns
(paralympic coach, 1988, 2000)

Ella Chafee
(swimming, 1964, 1968; athletics, 1968; fencing, 1996)

Ian Chafee
(Paralympic team manager, 1976, 1980, 1984)

Hope Chafee
(swimming, 1964, 1968; archery, 1976)

Jeanne Collier
(diving, 1964)

Steve Gregg, PhD (swimming, 1976)

Brian Hansen
(speedskating, 2010)

John MacAloon, PhD
(IOC historian)

Linda Mastandrea (athletics, 1992, 1996)

Twila Majkowski
(cross-country skiing, 1976)

Andy Rein
(wrestling, 1980, 1984)

Bill Scherr
(wrestling, 1988)

Diane Simpson-Bundy (gymnastics, 1988)

Marilee Stepan Wehman (swimming, 1952)

John Vande Velde
(cycling, 1968, 1972)

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