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.
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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.
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Thank you!
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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
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.
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USOC / U.S. Paralympics News
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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.
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Midwest Olympians/Paralympians in the News
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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!

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.
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World Sport Chicago
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Make A Splash ProgramUSA 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.
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Mark Your Calendar
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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.
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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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WORLD SPORT CHICAGO
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Email: info@worldsportchicago.org
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Membership Update |
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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.
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