Chicago Triathlon Spreads the Olympic Fever.

CHICAGO -- The closing ceremonies for the Olympics brought an end to a memorable 16 days in Beijing, but even after the last medal was awarded, the Olympic fever was still pumping strong around the world.

This weekend Chicago, currently in the running for the 2016 games, showed its Olympic colors by hosting the Chicago Triathlon, one of the largest triathlons in the world and also one of four Olympic-distance races that comprises the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Series. According to event organizers, "the Series showcases the drama, excitement, and popularity of triathlon, as well as the incredible athleticism of the world's elite professionals."

To honor and celebrate the athletic excitement sweeping the city and the world, VerveLife, a Chicago-based digital media and entertainment company, hosted a Life Time Fitness VIP party with key sponsorships including David Burke's Primehouse, MGD 64 and Three Olives Vodka. Perhaps most inspiring were the handful of challenged athletes with Paralympic aspirations who attended as ambassadors of the competitive spirit. As marathon enthusiasts watched the final Olympic race on a wide-screen TV in VerveLife's main lounge, the athletes shared their stories of pursuing the honor of participation in the games.

With the energy high and the party in full swing, longtime Chicago rock act Poi Dog Pondering took to the stage. Front man Frank Orrall and a handful of his eclectic troupe of musicians played a set of four songs reworked with up-tempo dance beats for the festive atmosphere. Poi performed great hits such as a violin and beat heavy version of Jackass Ginger. DJ Sadie Woods kept the party rockin with her vintage jazz and soul grooves. Afterwards the band members mingled with the audience that included Triathlon sponsors Accenture, Gatorade and Triathlete Magazine.

As the last revelers headed home for the night, the fervor of Chicago's love for the world of sports lingered on in VerveLife's offices. If Saturday night was any indication of the ability of Chicago's business and entertainment communities to come together to uphold the Olympic spirit, 2016 may turn out to be a vital year for the windy city.

About VerveLife

VerveLife, a leading entertainment media and technology company, delivers a suite of specialized media and technology solutions to global brands, agencies, and content publishers. The first truly turn key solution of its kind, VerveLife enables brands to instantly "Engage & Reward" their customers with the hottest digital media on the planet, including music, games, and movies - all via custom, high impact web and mobile experiences - while providing media publishers with the ability to publish their content directly to tens of millions of consumers. VerveLife is regarded by a growing list of brands and their agencies as the thought leader in the space, and is poised to be a primary driver of the conversion from traditional promotions and premiums to digital, a multi-billion dollar opportunity.