CHICAGO – Mayor Richard M. Daley and Patrick Ryan, chairman of the Chicago 2016 Committee, unveiled the Committee’s official logo, a torch composed of some of Chicago’s most iconic symbols, today at Pritzker Pavilion. The unveiling marks another step in the city’s campaign to be chosen as the U.S. bid city for the 2016 competition, if the United States Olympic Committee decides to bid.
"We are proud to present this dramatic new symbol that creates a very special link between Chicago and the Olympic Games," said Mayor Daley. "The Olympic Games are a very exciting prospect for Chicago, and I’m pleased that we now have a great new symbol to show the world that we’re ready to carry the torch."
The Chicago 2016 logo is styled in the shape of a torch and consists of three distinct visual components. The flame, in the shape of Chicago’s skyline, reflects the international significance of Chicago architecture and speaks to the vitality of a city that rose from the ashes. The body of the torch merges a color palette that represents the blue of Lake Michigan with the vibrant green of the city’s park system -- further underscoring Chicago’s commitment to the environment and sustainability. Together, these visual elements evoke the spirit of the Olympic Games and its values. It also evokes Chicago’s Games concept, to host compact Games celebrated in the center of the city, along the Lake Front and in the city’s parks.
"We wanted to create an image that is distinctive to Chicago but also shows our commitment to the Olympic Values," said Ryan. "This image displays the strength and uniqueness of Chicago and its great potential to host a successful Olympic Games.
"If Chicago is chosen to host the Games, we will host them along our Lake Front, in the midst of our beautiful parks and in the shadows of our iconic skyline. They will be compact Games, celebrated in the center of our city and dedicated to an athlete experience that is second-to-none."
Merchandise featuring the new Chicago 2016 logo will be available soon. The logo was created on a pro-bono basis by design and branding consultancy VSA Partners, a Chicago-based firm.
About the Chicago 2016 Committee
The Chicago 2016 Committee is a 501(c)3 corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Chicago. The Committee’s Board comprises business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Its honorary chairmen are Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Patrick Ryan serves as chairman and CEO.
About VSA Partners
VSA Partners is a design agency founded in Chicago in 1982, with locations in New York, Minneapolis and St. Louis. With 100 employees, it is one of the largest privately owned U.S. agencies specializing in branding, design and strategic communications. VSA's work includes brand naming and identity systems, retail environments, product design, packaging, investor relations, corporate communications, advertising, film, video, Web site design and animation. Brands and companies served by VSA include BP, Caterpillar, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Gap Inc., General Electric, Harley-Davidson and IBM.
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