The group is dedicated to increasing participation in Olympic sports among Chicago’s children, and Ryan had promised that its efforts would not end with last month's selection of a host city by the International Olympic Committee at its Session in Copenhagen.

 

Chicago, many bookmakers favourites, were knocked out in the first round despite the presence of United States President Barack Obama in the Danish capital as Rio de Janeiro were awarded the Games.

 

Ryan said: "We may not have won the honour of hosting the Games in 2016, but we have positively impacted the lives of thousands of kids, and we look forward to expanding our programmes in the months and years to come to reach even more youth.

 

"I’m honoured to take on this role and personally oversee the activities."

 

World Sport Chicago has already sponsored clinics and programmes to introduce local children to archery, fencing, badminton, wrestling, bocci, swimming, athletics, and judo.

 

It also has hosted several international events during Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Games, including the World Boxing Championships and gymnastics' American Cup, and will hold the Chicago Cup wrestling tournament this weekend.

 

Bill Scherr, an Olympic bronze medalist in wrestling and the previous chairman of the Board, will be the group's President.

 

Mike Conley, the 1992 Olympic triple jump champion and the previous President, remains on the board of directors.