The Unlympics is a month-long sporting event series intended to encourage active dialogue—extremely active dialogue—around the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid. The Unlympics looks at highly organized, internationally recognized, massively marketed, thoroughly branded, and extremely expensive sporting events not from a pro or con standpoint, but from a questioning standpoint.
Opening Day Ceremonies take place on January 24 and will include:
6 p.m. GATHER AT InCUBATE (2129 North Rockwell; please be prompt.)
6:15 p.m. PARADE OF NOTIONS (Come costumed in the attire appropriate to the national, creative, ethnic, political, economic, social, linguistic, imaginary, or other affiliation you intend to represent, and feel free to bring noisemakers, confetti, or protest signs as your conscience dictates.)
6:45 p.m. ARTISTIC SECTION (Bring a hankie.)
7:00 p.m. THE UNLYMPICS OATH (Like anyone is going to follow it.)
7:15 p.m. THE LIGHTING OF STUFF ON FIRE (BYOS*)
7:30 p.m. SPEECHES BY THE PRESIDENTS (Boring.)
7:45 p.m. THE GAME WHERE YOU WIN (To get your competitive juices flowing.)
8:00 p.m. AWARDS CEREMONY (BYOB)
*S = Sparklers
Dance troupes, pirates, marching bands, baton twirlers, sports enthusiasts, mud wrestlers, and good old patriots of any nation are encouraged to come out and join the parade. Please dress “appropriately.” This event is free and open to all ages.
For more info, see: The Unlympics
Also, don’t miss the Spelling Bee event of the Unlympics at Quimby’s on Feb 7th! Why is Quimby’s involved in this? Quimby’s Bookstore is proud to be the official bookstore and intellectual sponsor of the 2009 Winter Unlympic Games. For over 16 years, Quimby’s Bookstore has championed the freedom of the press in offering a variety of independently published or small press zines, books and comics. This literature is important in providing alternative, subversive or controversial viewpoints necessary to make informed decisions about one’s community.
