W. Side tied to Olympic plan

'VERY SPECIAL PLACE' | Training facility would play a key role

Now, one dream could enhance the other.

On Wednesday, Daley showcased the 60,000-square-foot ATTACK Training Center that Tim Grover built with city help at 2641 W. Harrison. Daley touted the facility as a boon to Chicago's Olympic bid.

"This will be a very special place for young amateurs to come together and get the training necessary. This is very important for our ... bid. You need a facility like this," the mayor told a news conference.

Olympic judo medalist Bob Berland, co-chairman of the Chicago 2016 athletes advisory committee, portrayed the new facility as invaluable to Olympic hopefuls.

It features four NBA regulation basketball courts, four NCAA regulation volleyball courts, a comprehensive weight room, training pool and rehab facility.

"I was forced to leave and train elsewhere prior to my Olympic competition because at that time, 20 years ago, we did not have a proper conditioning facility or conditioning coaches. That exists here today," Berland said.

The center was built on city-owned industrial land sold to the developer at a bargain price. It needed extensive environmental remediation. In exchange, Grover intends to make the center available to the Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Park District for youth programs. But there's a catch.

"It's gonna be a books-and-ball kind of thing. If your books are in place, you get to play ball. We've got to see your report card. You've got to be accompanied by an adult," Grover said.

"Kids are rewarded too early for doing the wrong things. We want to get back to what worked for me."