U.S. Olympians Unanimously Endorse Chicago 2016 Bid to Host Olympic and Paralympic Games

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Representing the interests of more than 6,000 U.S. Olympians nationwide, the Board of Directors for the U.S. Olympians Association voted unanimously at the U.S. Olympic Assembly on Sept. 10 to endorse the efforts of Chicago 2016, the City of Chicago and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to the United States in 2016.  The Chicago 2016 Bid Committee heads to Copenhagen, Denmark, for the International Olympic Committee 2016 Host City selection taking place Oct. 2.   

The U.S. Olympians Association (USO) serves as the Alumni Association for all Olympians in the United States. As Olympians, the members have a vested interest in ensuring the well-being of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Olympic Movement as a whole. Chicago 2016 has demonstrated that it understands and supports the values of the Movement and will host a Games that reflect the true Olympic spirit.  For that reason, the USO unanimously endorses the Chicago 2016 Bid. 

"The U.S. Olympians have a vested interest in brining the Games to Chicago and America, but we were so impressed with the efforts being made to keep Olympians engaged in the planning and operation of the Games, that we felt compelled to endorse this bid formally," said Willie Banks, President of the U.S. Olympians. "We want to express our gratitude to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Pat Ryan, and USOC Chairman Larry Probst for an outstanding bid and a wonderful partnership. We wish them much luck in Copenhagen." 

Several factors influenced the USO's decision to publicly endorse the bid. The Chicago 2016 Bid rightfully reflects a Games dedicated to putting the athletes first. This is exemplified in its bid materials, its legacy programs and the involvement of athletes in all stages of the bid, including leadership and venue planning.  

The Chicago 2016 Bid Team truly respects the Olympians and fully supports and promotes the National Olympians Associations, as recognized by the International Olympic Committee. In partnership with World Sport Chicago, Chicago 2016 has made tremendous strides in creating valuable legacy programs that will continue to benefit Chicago, the United States and the worldwide Olympic Movement for decades to come.

The Chicago 2016 Bid also reflects the baseline tenets of the Olympic Movement. The plan for the 2016 Games is compact, sustainable, affordable and actionable. Chicago 2016 has taken the best that a bid can offer to the world and incorporated those simple but essential pieces in the plan, such as comfortable housing proximal to venues, the short transportation times for athletes traveling to venues, and venues that are sustainable with good sight lines and performance-enhancing facilities. Further, the plan is economically feasible and ecologically practical. 

The USO and its 6,000 U.S. Olympian members recognize Chicago 2016's efforts to host a Games that puts the athletes first, establishes a lasting Olympic legacy, and creates an inspiring and festive Games experience in the heart of the beautiful City of Chicago. 

For more information, please contact the USOC Communications Division at (719) 866-4529, or visit www.teamusa.org.

Tags: Chicago 2016