USOC reiterates commitment to Chicago's Olympic bid
- Source: Xinhua
- [13:23 August 11 2009]
- Comments
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) said on Monday that it remained committed to Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympic Games.
The USOC made the statement following several recent news reports which indicate that a number of US cities are considering future Olympic bids.
"While it is always encouraging to see enthusiasm for the Olympic Movement, the USOC has been on record for more than two years in proclaiming that there will be absolutely no consideration of any future bids - winter or summer - from the US while Chicago is on the international stage," the statement noted.
"Let me reiterate that position in the most adamant terms. Chicago is not only our current bid city, it is our only bid city, and it is the sole focus of our efforts," USOC's CEO Stephanie Streeter said in the statement.
"We are now 52 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 October 2," said the statement.
"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."
What Chicago Mayor Daley and Chicago 2016 Chair and CEO Pat Ryan have accomplished in their quest for the Games "is nothing less than extraordinary," the statement said.
They have developed a magnificent plan for the Games in the heart of the city on the shores of Lake Michigan that will deliver a spectacular experience for the athletes, said the statement.
"They have built a powerful partnership with the Obama Administration that has resulted in a new White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport."
All the efforts by Chicago will ensure that the Games can be produced without risk and that the Olympic Movement will greatly benefit from the infusion of new American resources, the statement said.
"With less than two months to go before the IOC's decision in Copenhagen, two months in which it is essential for us to capture the attention of the global Olympic Family, it is equally essential that the USOC sustain a 110 percent focus on the needs of Chicago 2016," the statement said.
"So, with all due respect to those cities that are dreaming about one day bidding for the Games, now is not the time. This is Chicago's time," the statement added.
