UW-Madison students and community members will participate in a recreational basketball tournament this weekend to support the city of Chicago in its bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
UW-Madison students Zachary Ellman, Brett Robbins, Alex Glazer, Paul Reimer and Jeff Lichy are volunteers for Chicago 2016, a nonprofit organization seeking the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The students will host the event in collaboration with the UW-Madison Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital club.
According to Ellman, a Chicago native, the Chicago 2016 organization thrives off three main goals: gaining the privilege of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, contributing to the Olympic movement and making a lasting contribution to the city of Chicago.
""I would love to see such an international event that can bring so many groups and people together in a city that not only do I love, but I get to call home,"" he said.
UW-Madison is one of many campuses engaging in campaigning events, according to Ellman. He said students across the nation are engaging in campaigns to gain support for a Chicago-based Olympics. According to the Chicago 2016 website, over 1 million people have shown their support for the Chicago bid.
The host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be chosen Oct. 2. Possible host cities include Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.
The basketball tournament will take place at the SERF gymnasium Feb. 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. Leaders recommended donating 10 dollars per team at the door. Proceeds will be donated to USA Special Olympics on behalf of Students Support Chicago 2016. The winning team will win the chance to attend a UW men's basketball practice.
Students and faculty interested in volunteering for Chicago 2016 can visit www.chicago2016.org/volunteer.aspx.
