POSTED: Monday April 6th 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE Delegation Visits PROPOSED Chicago 2016 Venue Sites

Chicagoans, youth and athletes on hand as the city showcases its proposed Olympic and Paralympic venues

CHICAGO (April 5, 2009)—The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission toured the proposed Olympic and Paralympic venue sites today as part of the delegations official visit to Chicago.

The IOC’s Evaluation Commission was accompanied on its visit to proposed venues by officials of Chicago 2016 as well as subject matter and city experts. The delegation was greeted along the tour route and at individual venue sites by thousands of Chicagoans demonstrating their support for the city’s bid. Youth and Olympic and Paralympic athletes—were engaging in sport in the parks, and Chicagoans held up signs of support along Chicago’s neighborhood streets.

“This is our opportunity to take the IOC into our parklands and neighborhoods and show them how integrated our Games plan truly is into the heart of the city,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. “We enjoy this opportunity to demonstrate our plan to put the athlete and sport at the center of the Games—surrounded by the diverse city and steps from Chicago’s hospitality and cultural centers.”

At Washington Park, the site of the proposed Olympic Stadium, a procession of supporters—carrying flags of their home nations—marched to form the outer perimeter of the proposed stadium. The King College Prep drill team performed in front of the DuSable Museum of African American History.

As commission members made their way to Soldier Field, athletes from the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) jogged along the lakefront. And after arriving at McCormick Place, the venue for 11 Olympic and eight Paralympic sports under Chicago’s plan, the delegation was led by a traditional Asian lion and drum processional and were greeted by Native American elders representing Chicagoland tribes.

Chicago’s Games plan features a compact footprint, with venues conveniently located for athletes as well as spectators. Under the proposed layout, 90 percent of athletes staying in the Olympic Village—to be built just south of downtown—would be 15 minutes or less from their training and competition sites. For spectators, the Chicago’s public transportation system would provide easy access to and from venues. Ninety percent of Olympic events would be served by two or more rail lines, and most stations are less than a mile and a half (2 km) from venues.

Most of the Games locations in Chicago’s plan are proposed for the city’s sparkling lakefront-area parks—Lincoln Park, Jackson Park, Grant Park, Douglas Park and Washington Park. All were on the Evaluation Commission’s list of stops today and were brought to life by numerous supporters who took part in the day.

Historic Washington Park, designed in the 19^th Century by a team that included renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, would be a focal point for the Games. The 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium would have opening and closing ceremonies in addition to athletic events. The park also would house the aquatics center.

To date, more than 1 million people from around the world have showed their support for Chicago’s bid for the Games. In addition, 2,500 Olympic and Paralympic athletes have pledged their support for the bid, many of whom took part in today’s activities.

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About Chicago 2016

Chicago 2016 is a 501 (c)(3) corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago. The committee’s board comprises business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as chairman and CEO.

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Keywords · Chicago 2016 · olympic bid

Name: Mica Matsoff
Organization: Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid
Email:
Phone: 1.312.861.4826
URL: http://www.chicago2016.org/

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