MAYOR DALEY CELEBRATES UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE’S DECISION TO SELECT CHICAGO AS THE UNITED STATES APPLICANT CITY FOR THE 2016 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
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Megan Risch
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(CHICAGO, IL) -- Mayor Richard M. Daley today lauded the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) decision to select Chicago as the United States Applicant City that will compete internationally to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This is an honor for Chicago, and I want to thank the USOC for this vote of confidence in our city,” said Mayor Daley at a celebratory rally at Burley Elementary School, 1630 West Barry Avenue.
“This is a great day for the children of the City of Chicago because the 2016 Olympics are all about you – the future leaders of Chicago,” added Daley.
“Every child in Chicago will benefit from the sprit and excitement surrounding the Olympic movement. And that is one of the main reasons why we’re pursuing the Olympic Games is because of the lasting legacy they’ll leave to the children of Chicago and around the world.”
The USOC arrived at its decision after reviewing presentations made by the United States finalist cities Chicago and Los Angeles.
“I want to congratulate the Los Angeles delegation and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on their impressive efforts,” said Daley. “If Chicago is fortunate enough to be chosen to host the 2016 Olympic Games, we will certainly be seeking advice from our friends in Los Angeles.”
As the United States Applicant City, Chicago will now work with the USOC to start the bid process that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will set forth. The IOC will then choose the host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2009.
“Much of the credit for Saturday’s decision goes to Pat Ryan, members and staff of the Chicago 2016 Committee, and all those who worked tirelessly to put together a plan that involved the entire city, focuses on athletes and builds passion for sport, culture, education and the environment,” added Mayor Daley.
“We don’t do anything halfway in Chicago and the support for our Olympics bid is strong and wide. This has been a true team effort, involving the residents, businesses, labor, education and athletic communities; the City Council; the State Legislature and the Illinois Congressional Delegation. And that team effort will continue through 2009 – and hopefully beyond.”
The City will be hosting three additional Olympic celebrations today that include a school rally at Dunbar Vocational Academy, a Citywide Olympic Celebration at Daley Plaza and an event with kids at an after school program at Washington Park.
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