POSTED: Wednesday September 16th 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO 2016 CELEBRATES 16 DAY COUNTDOWN TO HOST CITY DECISION IN COPENHAGEN

Festivities planned in Chicago and Washington D.C. inspire the nation’s Olympic dreams

CHICAGO
(September 16, 2009)—Today, Chicago 2016 announced that the final 16
days leading up to the International Olympic Committee’s vote for the
2016 Host City will be celebrated across the city and nation. The
Olympic spirit will be strong throughout the U.S. in anticipation of
the final presentations and the decision on October 2, in Copenhagen,
Denmark. 

 

Today marks the start of the 16 day countdown leading up to the October 2 decision day, and in Chicago, the support and enthusiasm will be visible from all corners of the city. On different days, unexpected surprises will unfold on the streets of Chicago. Opportunities for residents to register their support through “I Back Chicago 2016” push button counters will pop up in multiple locations. In addition, volunteers will be distributing orange commemorative Copenhagen wristbands in the days leading up to the decision, encouraging people to watch the live broadcast on Friday, October 2, beginning at 9:00 AM CT in Daley Plaza. 

 

“Chicago is beaming with positive energy and the Olympic spirit and we can’t wait to share it with the world on October 2,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. “We have a lot of exciting plans in store for the next 16 days—don’t be surprised if you see Olympic and Paralympic athletes, as well as Olympic hopefuls, popping up in unexpected places around town.”

 

Additionally, in the days leading up to the decision, downtown buildings on the picturesque skyline will shine brightly with lights displaying Chicago 2016 and a countdown to October 2.

 

Since Chicago’s bid is America’s bid, the nation’s capital will also kick off the 16 day countdown. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will host Olympic and Paralympic athletes at the White House today, including Henry Cejudo, Michael Conley, Bob Ctvrtlik, Dominique Dawes, Anita DeFrantz, Jerrod Fields, Gary Hall, Jr., April Holmes, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Hope Lewellen, Arlene Limas, Jair Lynch, Linda Mastandrea, Tim Morehouse, Bob Pickens, Myles Porter and Ryan Reiser.

 

Organized by the White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport, the President and the First Lady will join with Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan to demonstrate their support of Chicago 2016’s efforts. Athletes and schoolchildren will participate in sport demonstrations on the White House lawn following school visits in the Washington, D.C. area. 

 

Also this week, ads featuring the “Imagine” campaign will begin appearing in newspapers and local magazines and on billboards and other outdoor spaces. The Chicago 2016 Web site will also change daily, and through a Facebook application, a new online SportFinder tool will match people interested in sport with others with similar interests—encouraging participation in sport by making it easier for people to find ways to connect.

 

“SportFinder is an online version of the bulletin board at the gym or a pick-up game—giving people a way to find others to play the sport of their choice,” said Bill Scherr, director of sport for Chicago 2016.

 

To find the most current news on the bid, visit www.chicago2016.org, which will be updated daily with the latest developments during the 16 day countdown.

 

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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 consists of business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as the organization’s chairman and CEO.

 

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Keywords · Chicago 2016 · Barack Obama · Olympics bids · Patrick Ryan

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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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