Chicago Olympic Committee Uses Obama Video in European Pitch
By Mason Levinson
Nov. 21 (Bloomberg) -- The committee seeking to bring the 2016 Summer Olympics to Chicago presented its plan at a meeting of European associations, with video support from U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama.
The meeting at the General Assembly of European Olympic Committees in Istanbul was the Chicago bid team’s third presentation in a series to each of the five continental associations, and included a message from Obama.
“In the coming years, my administration will bring a fresh perspective on America’s role and responsibilities around the world,” Obama said, according to a news release. “But if we are to truly meet our shared challenges, we must all work together. By uniting the world in a peaceful celebration of human achievement, the Olympic Games reminds us that this is possible.
“The United States would be honored to have the opportunity to host the Games and serve the Olympic Movement,” Obama continued. “As President-elect, I see the Olympic and Paralympic Games as an opportunity for our nation to reach out, welcome the world to our shores, and strengthen our friendships across the globe.”
Chicago is competing with bids from Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro when International Olympic Committee members vote Oct. 2. If successful, Chicago would be the first U.S. city to host the Summer Games since Atlanta in 1996.
To contact the reporter on this story: Mason Levinson in New York at mlevinson@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: November 21, 2008 14:27 EST |
