“The U.S. Olympic Committee looks forward to expanding opportunities for young people to participate in the Olympic and Paralympic programs through this partnership with the Chicago community,” stated USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr. “I can think of no better partner to assist in meeting our mission than Chicago. The city has continued to provide the leadership that our athletes need to pursue their Olympic and Paralympic dreams."

"Chicago has long been a leader in programs for people with disabilities, so we're delighted to become a USOC Community Partner, focusing on Paralympic programs," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "This is a great opportunity -- not just for people with disabilities but for all Chicagoans -- to share in the excitement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and to reflect on the Olympic Ideals of vision, discipline, commitment, persistence and focus."

The Community Partner Program is focused on uniting forces with a select group of U.S. communities that will work directly with the USOC to increase public awareness of Olympic and Paralympic sports. As an officially designated USOC Partner, the community will be given priority status for hosting USOC initiatives and events, with schools and organizations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area assisting in the distribution of USOC education and outreach materials.

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), the nation's leading physical rehabilitation hospital, has supported the U.S. Paralympic Movement for many years. The RIC Virginia Wadsworth Sports Program sent seven athletes to represent the United States at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens in the sports of wheelchair basketball, swimming and sitting volleyball. RIC also offers a year-round, cross-disability sports and recreation program for people with physical disabilities.

“U.S. Paralympics’ main initiatives are to lead the world in Paralympic performance and utilize our national platform to promote excellence and the insitute will continue to help us achieve this goal as we continue to move forward,” stated USOC Chief of Staff Charlie Huebner. “The RIC has been involved with physically disabled athletes for many years and we are pleased to continue that great relationship.”

For more information, please contact the USOC Media & Public Relations Division at 719-866-4529.