CHICAGO (January 15, 2008) – Today marked a historic milestone for the City of Chicago as Chicago 2016 formally submitted its Applicant File to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). A news conference was held at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., where bid representatives and Olympic and Paralympic athletes spoke about plans for the next phase.
“We have reached a groundbreaking point in Chicago’s mission to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan. “We are one step closer to bringing our bid’s vision to life and are eager to reveal Chicago’s plans to welcome the world to our great city should we receive the honor.”
Chicago’s concept for hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games will create a spectacular Olympic experience. The bid’s plan takes full advantage of Chicago’s lakefront park system and centers the athletes in the heart of the city, surrounded by the city’s most impressive cultural institutions, sports facilities and entertainment attractions. This centrally located, compact plan will ensure an unforgettable experience for athletes, spectators, residents and viewers around the world.
“We are looking forward to the international process to showcase the spirit, energy and commitment that Chicago can offer to further strengthen the Olympic Movement here in the United States and around the world,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley. “Our plan involves the entire city, focuses on athletes and leaves a lasting legacy for our young people through sport, culture, education and the environment.”
Chicago’s plan is one of the most compact Olympic Games ever proposed. With the site of the Olympic Village at the heart of the plan and surrounded by 19 sports venues, 91 percent of the athletes will be within 15 minutes of their competition venues. Just 5 permanent competition venues need to be built, making Chicago 2016’s plan fiscally responsible and one that will leave a positive legacy for the city and the Olympic Movement.
“We want everyone to know just what Chicago intends to offer the Olympic Movement and the world,” said Michael Conley, Olympic gold medalist and executive director of World Sport Chicago. “Chicago will deliver an unparalleled celebration of the athlete. Its plan for the Olympic and Paralympic Games is tightly woven into the center of our great city and takes advantage of a number of world-class facilities our city already has. Today is our very first step in transforming these plans into reality.”
The Applicant File is the first official document all Applicant Cities must submit to the IOC during Phase I of the IOC’s two-step bid process, known as the Candidature Acceptance Procedure. The questionnaire serves as each city’s logistical blueprint for organizing the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The IOC studies the answers, examining each city’s potential to organize a successful Games in 2016. At the end of this phase, in June 2008, the IOC Executive Board selects the Applicant Cities that will move on to Phase II.
The press conference was held at the Chicago History Museum to mark the significance of the project for the city’s history. “We are confident that the plan we have submitted to the IOC is a strong one,” said Jim Scherr, CEO of the United States Olympic Committee. “Not only is it completely functional, it promises the best possible experience for athletes and their spectators.”
The questionnaire response also includes a focus on the environment, which Chicago intends to make an integral part of its Olympic legacy. The book was printed with 100 percent soy ink on Neenah’s Environment 100 percent postconsumer recycled fiber, and the carbon emissions associated with printing and distribution were offset with carbon credits purchased on the Chicago Climate Exchange.
“With the worldwide need for environmental preservation, Chicago 2016 has made building a ‘green’ Games an essential priority,” said Doug Arnot, senior vice president of Venues and Games Operations for Chicago 2016. “Mayor Daley has worked to improve the sustainability of our city over the past two decades, and now the questionnaire, which was printed using an entirely green process as a symbolic gesture, demonstrates to the IOC the steps we are willing to take to ensure an environmentally friendly Games.”
Chicago 2016 is donating approximately 100 copies of the Applicant File to Chicago Public Libraries; they will be available for public viewing beginning Monday, January 28. The bid is also donating one to every Chicago high-school library.
Chicago is honored to be competing for the privilege of hosting the 2016 Games alongside the world-class cities of Prague, Czech Republic; Tokyo, Japan; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Baku, Azerbaijan; Doha, Qatar; and Madrid, Spain.
###
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.
Contact:
Patrick Sandusky or Mica Matsoff
+1.312.761.4826 (Chicago 2016 media line)
media@chicago2016.org