Friday, Aug. 14, 2009

In less than two months, the International Olympic Committee will decide on the site of the 2016 Olympic Games.

The hopes of the United State Olympic Committee of bringing back the games to the United States in the near future now ride with Chicago.

The IOC has declared that no other United States city will be considered for an Olympic Bid as long as Chicago is on the table and we couldn’t be happier about that.

We would love to see other cities in the United States receive bids, but for now, why cloud the Oct. 2 decision with other venues.

We want the Olympic Committee’s entire focus on Chicago when it gets ready to make their decision.

It would be great to have an Olympic Games staged so close to southwest lower Michigan.
While many of us may not have the financial means or time requirements to go to the Olympics, even if it is held somewhere else in the United States, we certainly could head to Chicago for the games.

Heck, there is even talk that South Bend, Ind. could be involved in the games due to its East Race Waterway.

That would make it all that much better.

Stephanie Streeter, CEO of the United States Olympic Committee released a statement earlier this week stating that the USOC has put all of its eggs in the Chicago basket and will be working as hard as they can to help land the games in our area seven years from now.
“We are now 50 days from the decision on the 2016 Host City. All of our hopes and dreams for bringing the Olympic Games back to the United States are anchored in Chicago 2016 and the IOC decision on Oct. 2,” she said.

“Through our enduring bidding partnership, Chicago 2016 has earned our gratitude and respect. The City of Broad Shoulders has placed the United States in a great position to bring home the world’s greatest celebration of humanity,” Streeter added.

Chicago has given the IOC a strong plan to consider.

Having joined forces with the Obama Administration, Chicago helped create the White House Office of Olympics, Paralympics and Youth Sport.

Their World Sports Chicago – Urban Youth Sports Initiative is a program that through the efforts of Mayor Richard Daley has been adopted by six other cities in the United States.

The Windy City has a lot to offer the Olympics and the athletes of the world.

Standing on the shores of Lake Michigan and having all the resources of its surrounding communities, Chicago would be a perfect spot in our estimation to hold the 2016 games.

So when the IOC gathers in Copenhagen on Oct. 2, we would hope they make a good decision and bring the world to Chicago for the 2016 Olympic Games.