[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE CHICAGO 2016 OLYMPIC BID

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2007

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize that, 
on April 14, 2007, the city of Chicago was selected as the United 
States' candidate for the 2016 Summer Olympics. The Chicago Olympic bid 
represents a choice by the United States Olympic Committee to share the 
hometown qualities of this great American city and state with the 
world's athletes, guests, and over 3.6 billion people who take part in 
the Olympics via global television broadcast. If Chicago is selected by 
the International Olympic Committee, the 2016 Games will be the first 
Summer Olympics held in the Americas since the 1996 Atlanta Games.
  Chicago's passion for sports, record of hosting international events, 
and cultural heritage make it a fitting host for these momentous games. 
Already a professional sports powerhouse, Chicago is arguably one of 
the most sport-oriented cities in the United States. Indeed, Chicagoans 
are famous for their enthusiastic support of their home teams, be it 
the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Cubs, Bulls, or the World Series 
Champion White Sox. Chicago boasts one of the largest marathon events 
worldwide as well--the Chicago Marathon.
  Chicago also enjoys a long history of hosting historic world 
gatherings, including the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the 1933 
Century of Progress Exposition, the 1959 Pan American Games, as well as 
matches for the 1994 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. Although Chicago 
was to host the 1904 Summer Olympics, this honor ultimately went to St. 
Louis to coincide with the St. Louis World's Fair.
  In addition, Chicago's world-class architecture, renowned skyline, 
multi-cultural, historical, and pop-cultural contributions are expected 
to weigh heavily as positive attractions in the Olympic bid 
considerations. The international community will be dazzled by 
Chicago's view from atop the Sears Tower, they will be serenaded by the 
deep passion of our Blues music, and they will savor our restaurants, 
which are second to none.
  The 2016 Chicago Olympic bid offers America the chance to demonstrate 
not only the most amazing level of competition the world has to offer, 
but also to showcase the values that make America and the Olympic 
movement so significant, such as fair play, friendship, hope, and 
inspiration. The world will have the opportunity to learn surprising 
and amazing things about Chicago. By way of the 2016 Summer Olympics, 
Chicago will become the world's second home.

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