POSTED: Tuesday April 7th 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE EVALUATION COMMISSION WRAPS UP IN CHICAGO

IOC Evaluation Commission members conclude on-site review of Chicago 2016’s plan to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games

 

 

 

 

 

CHICAGO (April 7, 2009)—Today, Chicago 2016 concluded its official presentations to the visiting International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission. Chicago 2016’s team was excited and optimistic after showcasing the city’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

 

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan delivered parting remarks as the 13-member IOC Evaluation Commission concluded their nearly one-week visit to assess the city’s plan.

 

 

The Evaluation Commission heard detailed briefings on the full list of themes contained in the city’s Candidature File, ranging from finance to environmental. Presenters included federal, state and local government officials, business, civic and community, United States Olympic Committee (USOC) leaders, Olympians and Paralympians and leaders of Chicago 2016.

 

 

“It’s been an honor to host the Evaluation Commission’s visit to Chicago. The past few days have been an exciting time for our city and we hope that the Commission enjoyed their stay and understand a little bit better why we are so proud of Chicago’s people, spirit and beauty,” said Mayor Daley. “By hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games we will provide a lasting legacy of investment and economic growth in our city and help strengthen the Olympic Movement so that we can inspire young people to participate in sport and pursue their dreams.”

 

 

The delegation also went on a tour of the proposed venue sites, all of which are located in a compact footprint in the heart of Chicago. The IOC witnessed firsthand how convenient the sport venues are to one another, as well as their close proximity to the Olympic Village. They also observed how much of Chicago’s venue infrastructure already exists. More than 70 percent of sports disciplines under Chicago’s plan would be in existing facilities, such as Soldier Field, McCormick Place and the United Center.

 

 

Ryan said he believes the visit demonstrated to the commission that Chicago and the USOC would be trustworthy and dependable partners in staging the Games. In his closing remarks, Ryan said that the IOC “could count on us—without doubt or reservation.”

 

 

“If we are fortunate enough to play host to the world in 2016, we will deliver a celebration that honors the great traditions of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, promotes sport here and around the world and greatly strengthens the Olympic Movement in the process,” said Ryan. “I could not be more confident in the plan, the team or the setting for the Games.”

 

 

In September, the commission will issue a technical report on Chicago’s bid as well as those of Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, the other Candidate Cities bidding to host the 2016 Games. The full IOC will select the Host City on October 2 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

 

 

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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

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

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