A new poll shows that support for Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games has increased dramatically. The poll was conducted by Zogby International April 7–9, exactly a year after Zogby’s first survey was conducted to measure support for Chicago’s Olympic Bid, and recorded a rise in support for Chicago’s bid to 84 percent, from 76 percent a year ago.
“This poll tells us what we already know—that Chicago’s residents, business and philanthropic community are united behind our bid because they have great pride in our city and they want to see it host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley. “The Games would attract new visitors from around the globe to the United States and Chicago and leave a legacy that strengthens the Olympic Movement by building passion for sport, culture, education and the environment for future generations around the world.”
Patrick G. Ryan, the chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016, said, “This poll is significant in that it indicates the continued and growing enthusiasm of Chicago area residents for bringing the Games to our city, and it is encouraging to see the continued support by Chicagoans for the Olympic Movement despite the recent controversy. One of Chicago’s greatest strengths is its passionate sports fans. As we move forward with the bidding process, the excitement of our city will be a major asset.”
Chicago 2016 has been engaged in a variety of efforts to raise awareness of its bid and to promote amateur sport throughout the area over the past year. Chicago 2016 has also participated in a number of community outreach initiatives such as town hall meetings, parades, and other community events and festivals.
In addition, the leaders of Chicago 2016 have presented details of the bid to civic and business groups across the Chicago metropolitan area. The recent meeting of the 2016 Regional Coordinating Committee of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus demonstrates the broad base of support among municipalities surrounding Chicago.
Bill Scherr, the chairman of World Sport Chicago, a member of Chicago 2016’s board of directors and an Olympian, pointed to the importance of exposing the city’s residents, and particularly its youth, to amateur sport. “Leaving a lasting legacy of amateur sport for future generations is one of our motivations for seeking the Games. We are proud that the bid effort will contribute to this legacy, regardless of the International Olympic Committee’s ultimate decision.”
Zogby International was established in 1984 and has been conducting surveys on a variety of topics, including public opinion and electoral politics. The company was engaged by the USOC to conduct the first poll of Chicago’s support level in April 2007 as a component of the domestic selection process. That poll found that 76 percent of residents supported the bid. The current poll mirrored the 2007 poll in both questions asked and audience.
In each poll, respondents were asked, “Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose having the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games come to Chicago?” The responses were as follows:
Support 84%
Strongly support 54%
Somewhat support 30%
Oppose 12%
Somewhat oppose 6%
Strongly oppose 6%
Not sure 4%
The poll has a +/- 3.5% margin of error.
The International Olympic Committee will announce its list of Candidate Cities at SportAccord in Athens, Greece, on June 4. The IOC will announce the Host City for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games on October 2, 2009, in Copenhagen.
Chicago is honored to be competing for the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games alongside six other world-class cities: Baku, Azerbaijan; Doha, Qatar; Madrid, Spain; Prague, Czech Republic; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Tokyo, Japan.
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.