If you are looking to get into the Olympic spirit, then June 23rd will be your day. Every year on June 23, the world honors the enduring Olympic spirit by staging events and celebrations since 2009 marks the 115th anniversary of the birth of the modern Olympic Movement. The entire country has rallied around Chicago’s bid and the prospect of bringing the Games back to the United States: more than 100 U.S. cities will be showing their support for the Movement with festivities featuring athletic events and appearances by Olympians and Paralympians. Find out how to get your city involved!
Chicago will be holding several free events to commemorate Olympic Day. On the evening of June 23, North Avenue Beach, the proposed site of the triathlon start, will host a multisport extravaganza. In addition to serving as the finish line for two three-mile fun runs, the beach will host competitions in the Olympic sports of beach volleyball, basketball, volleyball, soccer and kayaking, as well as softball. The celebration will be capped off by an Olympic Day on the beach featuring top local music acts.
Check out the schedule of events below to find out how you can get involved and show your support for Chicago 2016:
Youth Fun Runs, 10 am
In honor of Olympic Day, World Sport Chicago and the Chicago Park District are hosting fun runs for youth in various summer camps throughout the Chicago area.
Public Rally @ Daley Plaza, 12 Noon
Come out to Daley Plaza during lunch to celebrate Olympic Day with leaders of Chicago’s bid and the City of Chicago and participate in sport activities.
Fun Runs, 6 pm
Two 3-Mile Fun Runs will kick off the Olympic Day celebrations.
- The North Fun Run will begin at Irving Park & Lake Shore Path.
- The South Fun Run will begin at Balbo Drive & Lake Shore Path (across from Grant Park).
- The start time for both Fun Runs is 6 p.m.
- The North & South Fun Runs will both end at North Avenue Beach, where multiple sports competitions and demonstrations will be happening simultaneously. In addition to the Fun Runs, there will be Beach Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Kayaking, Archery and Softball, to name a few.
The celebration will conclude with an after party and Olympic Day concert on the beach featuring local entertainment.
Celebration Party at North Avenue Beach, 6 – 10 pm
Celebrate Olympic Day with free live entertainment at North Avenue Beach beginning at 6 pm! There will also be multiple competitions and demonstrations taking place throughout the night. Sport demonstrations include: Soccer, Basketball, Kayaking, Archery, and more!
Olympic Day @ White Sox-Dodgers Game, 7 pm
Buy tickets to celebrate at U.S. Cellular Field!
Dates:
Jun 23, 2009 Hours:
10 am – 10 pm Location:
Daley Plaza and other locations
N. Dearborn St. & W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
