As part of Chicago 2016’s ongoing effort to make legacy and sustainable benefits an integral part of its plan for the Olympic Games, the bid announced today the establishment of a multimillion dollar fund to support this goal. Leading local foundations: the MacArthur Foundation, McCormick Tribune Foundation and the Chicago Community Trust, will each contribute $1 million to start the fund, with an additional $500,000 coming from the Polk Foundation.
“To leave a lasting, transformative legacy is what Mayor Daley and Chicago 2016 strive for, and we have a clear vision of the legacy we wish to leave for the city and the Olympic Movement,” said Patrick G. Ryan, Olympic bid Chairman and CEO. “We are grateful that these important civic organizations share our deep commitment to this goal and applaud their generous contributions.”
The intention of the grants is to support programs that aim to revitalize neighborhoods through affordable as well as market rate housing, and increase levels of education, job training and employment.
Mayor Richard Daley noted, “As we’ve said in the past, one of the great strengths of our city is that we work together with government, business and our communities to keep our city moving forward. Chicago is home to some of the most prominent and civic-minded foundations in the world, and this latest commitment underscores their generosity and continued investment in the future of our city and the development of our neighborhoods.”
“These funds help us guarantee the legacy of not only the 2016 games, but a positive legacy of the bid process. Regardless of the 2009 decision, these funds will help bring benefits to the city’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods,” Ryan added.
Recently, a delegation from Chicago 2016 participated in the Legacy Lives 2008 conference. The conference is regarded as one of the most important international events to focus on the practice of sports legacy planning and is a forum to educate participants on the importance of legacy planning and the sustainable benefits that can and should be an integral part of holding major events.
In 2007 Mayor Daley and Chicago 2016 formed World Sports Chicago to enhance the image, awareness and participation in Olympic sports across Chicago and to extend Chicago’s international outreach through and for sport and youth.
Chicago is honored to be competing for the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games alongside such world-class cities as Baku, Azerbaijan; Doha, Qatar; Madrid, Spain; Prague, Czech Republic; Rio de Janerio, Brazil; and Tokyo, Japan.
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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. Contact: Mica Matsoff, 312-861-4826, media@chicago2016.org.