RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Chicago River Race promises to be a world-class rowing race that benefits less traditional developmental programs for Chicago urban youth, especially those with a focus on water-based activities in the inaugural year; and,
WHEREAS, The Chicago River Race will showcase Chicago's international appeal and highlight not only the recreational advantages of the Chicago River, but demonstrate the variety of opportunities available to youth; and,
WHEREAS, The Chicago River Race Ltd is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, with a singular mission to create this event for long term support of all afterschool youth programs that are free of charge to Chicago's urban youth; and,
WHEREAS, the simple aim of the Chicago River Race is to bring teams of world class rowers to Chicago to compete in a two day event attracting both residents and visitors and draw attention to the plight of Chicago's urban youth and the programs that can help; and,
WHEREAS, the Chicago River Race's mission will provide a powerful catalyst to independent programs that aim to serve Chicago's youth population; and,
WHEREAS, during this invitation only race, crews will set off individually and are timed down the course, with four to five categories of competitors: elite international men's coxed fours, elite national collegiate women's coxed fours, junior boys' quadruple sculls, and junior girls' quadruple sculls; and,
WHEREAS, the race will take place over a weekend in mid September to early October 2012, and will start at Ping Tom Park on the city's south side and conclude at Wolf Point, with thirteen bridges and pleasure and hospitality boats flanking one side of the river will allow this race to have plenty of great locations for spectators; and,
WHEREAS, the Chicago River Race will be 100% privately funded with no costs to the City of the Chicago; and,
WHEREAS, the Chicago River Race Committee has garnered the approval and support of the seven aldermen, whose Wards are adjacent to the River, and many City departments to help ensure a safe and professional event; and,
WHEREAS, the Committee is hopeful that the US national Rowing team will provide a tremendous incentive for all potential competitors, as they would significantly validate the event; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we the Mayor and Members of the Chicago City Council assembled this 6th day of July, 2011, do hereby enthusiastically endorse the inaugural Chicago River Race for the fall of 2012 and into making this e^efiTari&w annual experience that will help to support youth programs and look forward to working with the Chicago Rive? Race Committee tc^neip\to promote the rn^py-us^ of the Chicago River.