World_Sport_ChicagoDecember 20 - An organisation dedicated to promoting sport and helping young people has been selected as a Community Olympic Development Programme (CODP) partner by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).


World Sport Chicago (WSC), a non-profit concern founded as a living legacy of the unsuccessful Chicago 2016 Olympic and Paralympic bid, will focus on research into the role sports can play in improving the situation for youth in America's cities, in addition to supporting Olympic and Paralympic sport programmes in Chicago.

The research will be conducted and managed by WSC's Urban Youth Sports Institute.

The institute will look at the impact sport has on individuals and communities, and help bridge the gap from research findings to actions for policy makers, sports organisations, coaches, parents and participants.

Additionally, research will focus on providing a link between sports organisations and major universities to obtain insight and recommendations for improvements.

"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," said chairman Pat Ryan.

"We have teamed with local universities to begin research efforts in understanding how sport can reduce youth violence and how coaches in urban centres 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 will share research findings with WSC community-based programmes, partner organisations and USOC.

Results from the institute's first major research project will be announced soon.

Alicia McConnell, USOC director of athlete services, said. "WSC has 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 CODP."

WSC has introduced more than 30,000 young people to Olympic and Paralympic sport through clinics and programmes in archery, badminton, gymnastics, weightlifting, wrestling, swimming, track and field, Paralympic judo, Paralympic boccia and others.