CHICAGO (February 7, 2007) – The 2007 Chicago Cup, the first major event presented by World Sport Chicago, drew a near-capacity crowd at Northwestern’s Welsh-Ryan Arena on Tuesday evening to watch the United States National Wrestling Team take on the Russian World Champions.
World Sport Chicago, who organized the event along with USA Wrestling, is a non-profit organization formed to promote the development of amateur sport and international competition in the Chicagoland area.
Over 5,000 fans, most of them aspiring young wrestlers, cheered on the U.S. team and the international participants, which also included athletes from China and Canada.
“To have this many people come out despite the poor weather is a testament to the people of Chicago and how passionate they are about amateur sports,” said Michael Conley, executive director of World Sport Chicago. “The overwhelming success of this event is extremely encouraging to us and that enthusiasm will extend into future events.”
The Russian World Champions lived up to their title, as they captured all but one freestyle match to win the 2007 Chicago Cup trophy.
Despite the Russian dominance in freestyle, the Chicago Cup was a memorable homecoming for Buffalo Grove native Lindsay Durlacher. The Greco-Roman wrestler executed a five-point throw that drew the evening’s loudest cheer in the first period en route to a 6-0, 2-2 win over China’s Li Shujin.
“This was a real special night for me. It was a very nice homecoming with a lot of friends and family here,” said Durlacher. “The crowd was unbelievable – I’ve never seen a crowd like this. They were awesome and this was a remarkable event.”
Also winning for the U.S. team was Mo Lawal, a last-minute replacement at 96 kg/211.5 lbs., who put on a show with a strong performance. Lawal powered in on a number of strong double-leg shots en route to a 5-3, 3-1 win over Tokhtar Temrezov of Russia.
Women’s freestyle wrestler Sara McMann was dominant in scoring a 4-0, 1-0 win over Canada’s Megan Dolan at 63 kg/138.75 lbs., and fellow women’s freestyle wrestler and local favorite Mary Kelly (Mahomet, Ill.) dropped a 1-0, 1-0 decision to Canada’s Carol Huynh at 48 kg/105.5 lbs.
“We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved in this event for making it such an incredible evening,” said Bill Scherr, the chairman of the board at World Sport Chicago and former Olympic medalist. “The excitement of the fans and the positive reaction we received from all of the athletes and coaches involved embodies what World Sport Chicago is all about and proves how thrilled the Chicagoland area is about sports and wrestling.”
The Chicago Cup will be broadcast on a taped-delayed basis to millions of homes in the Midwest on WYCC in Chicago on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 4 p.m.
For more information on World Sport Chicago and Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics, visit www.chicago2016.org.
About World Sport Chicago
World Sport Chicago was established as an independent 501(c)3 corporation, and the Athlete’s Advisory Council (AAC) of Chicago 2016 will provide strategic counsel, as appropriate. Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as the United States Olympic Committee, International Olympic Committee, National Collegiate Athletic Association and other national governing bodies, World Sport Chicago works to promote the development of recreational and competitive sports throughout the region.
A major component of the organization’s programs will be hosting demonstrations that provide kids the opportunity to learn from all-star athletes. Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Conley is the executive director of the organization, while wrestling world champion and Olympic Medalist William Scherr serves as chairman of the board.
About the Chicago 2016 Exploratory Committee
The Chicago 2016 Exploratory Committee is an Illinois not for profit corporation (which has applied for status as a 501(c)(3) corporation) whose mission is to seek, on behalf of the City of Chicago, the privilege of hosting the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Chicago. The Committee’s Board comprises business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Its honorary chairmen are Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Patrick Ryan serves as chairman and CEO.
City of Chicago, U.S. Bid City, 2016 Olympic Games
www.chicago2016.org
###
For further information, please contact:
Contact:
Mica Matsoff
+1.312.861.4826 (Chicago 2016 media line)
Media@chicago2016.org