INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Sept. 28, 2009 – On Oct. 2, the International Olympic Committee will determine the site of the 2016 Olympic Games as part of its meetings in Copenhagen, Denmark. The City of Chicago has put together an incredible bid for the Olympics, complete with a compact plan of impressive venues, solid corporate support and an involved local government. Along with the city’s endeavors, World Sports Chicago has already begun creating a lasting legacy through its grassroots efforts with the various national governing bodies by hosting numerous events for a variety of Olympic sports.
“USA Gymnastics completely supports Chicago, and we believe the city will be an excellent host for the 2016 Olympic Games,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “We also applaud the efforts of World Sports Chicago in supporting Olympic efforts throughout the community, including the Tyson American Cup and the Tyson Fitness Challenge. Enthusiasm for hosting the Olympic Games is evident in Chicago.
“Hosting the Olympic Games in the United States intensifies the spotlight on sports in our country,” said Penny. “Chicago has demonstrated that it is an Olympic city by supporting the grassroots sports movement and by including USA Gymnastics in the planning and presentation of the bid and its benefits.”
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama lead the U.S. delegation going to Copenhagen for the final Chicago 2016 presentation and the IOC’s vote. 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin and Olympic gold-medalists Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci are included in the delegation, along with 23 other Olympic and Paralympic athletes and Oprah Winfrey.
“President Obama’s presence in Copenhagen cannot be understated and gives Chicago its strongest chance possible,” said Penny. “This is quite possibly the best bid ever put forward by the United States, and the President’s participation demonstrates that no stone is being left unturned. USA Gymnastics is proud of Chicago 2016 and we remain hopeful that the IOC will recognize the quality of the bid by awarding the 2016 Olympic Games to this great city.”
Fans can still show their support for Chicago’s bid by registering as a supporter on the Chicago 2016 Web site.
A variety of activities are planned to follow the final IOC selection process on Oct. 2, including options for fans who live in and outside of the Chicago area.
- Chicagoans can go to Daley Plaza to watch the announcement and other activities live on Oct. 2, beginning at 9 a.m. CT. Shawn Johnson is expected to be on hand in Chicago for the festivities.
- Fans can also follow the action in Copenhagen, from the city presentations to the announcement, on the Web or TV. Coverage is available through several different outlets Friday morning, including the Chicago 2016 Web site (www.chicago2016.org/watch-live.aspx) for rebroadcasts of the final presentation, and live coverage of the city announcement and press conference; the IOC Web site (www.olympic.org) for live streaming of the candidate city presentations; Universal Sports, both its Web Site (www.universalsports.com) and cable network; and NBC.
Chicago faces competition from Madrid, Spain; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Tokyo, Japan. Each city will make a presentation to the IOC and hold a press conference following its presentation. The announcement of the host city is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET. For a complete presentation and announcement schedule for Oct. 2, please go to www.olympic.org.
To learn more about Chicago’s plans and recent news about 2016, go to www.chicago2016.org.