The sports of golf and rugby sevens have been voted today by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session for inclusion in the programme of the 2016 Olympic Games – awarded to Rio de Janeiro. The two sports had been recommended by the IOC Executive Board (EB) in August following an extensive evaluation by the Olympic Programme Commission of the seven sports seeking to enter the programme.

“Both golf and rugby are very popular sports with global appeal and a strong ethic,” said IOC President Jacques Rogge. “They will be great additions to the Games.”

The two sports, voted on separately in alphabetical order of the sports, golf then rugby, received a simple majority of votes cast by the members of the Session. The result of the first vote was not revealed to the Session until the vote for the second sport had taken place. The IOC President elected not to take part in the vote.

“The International Golf Federation is absolutely delighted by today’s results. We thank the IOC for the thorough process and we are looking forward to playing our part as a member of the Olympic Movement,” said Peter Dawson, Secretary General of the International Golf Federation. “This is great for golf and we hope to be of great benefit to the Olympic Games as well.”

Bernard Lapasset, President of the International Rugby Board, said: “I am so delighted and proud. My thanks to the IOC members for their wonderful support. Rugby is honoured to be a part of the Olympic Sports Programme and we are already looking forward to Rio 2016.”

Golf was played at the Games in 1900 in Paris and in 1904 in St Louis, while rugby was part of the programme of four editions of the Games between 1900 and 1924.

In addition to the two new sports, the Session also voted to accept the list of 26 core sports on the programme for the Olympic Games in 2016.

During the 119th Session in Guatemala City in 2007, the IOC approved a simplified voting process for new sports to enter the programme. The IOC members also requested guidance from the EB in the selection of the new sports and entrusted it to make a proposal to the Session based on the work of the Olympic Programme Commission.

In 2002, the IOC decided to conduct a systematic review of the Olympic programme after every edition of the Games to ensure that it remains exciting and relevant.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has elected Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) as the host city of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in 2016 during its 121st Session in Copenhagen, Denmark. Rio de Janeiro received 66 votes compared to Madrid’s 32 in the final round of voting.

IOC President Jacques Rogge congratulated Rio de Janeiro on its election and praised the high quality of the bid, “I would like to congratulate the city of Rio de Janeiro on its election as the host of the 2016 Olympic Games. Rio de Janeiro presented the IOC with a very strong technical bid, built upon a vision of the Games being a celebration of the athletes and sport, as well as providing the opportunity for the city, region and country to deliver their broader long-term aspirations for the future. This call to “live your passion” clearly struck a chord with my fellow members and we now look forward to seeing Rio de Janeiro stage the first Olympic Games on the continent of South America. Well done, Rio!”

( source IOC Media)

Rogge also thanked the other competing cities of Chicago (USA), Tokyo (Japan) and Madrid (Spain), “Unfortunately, there can only be one victor in this competition and I’d like to thank the cities of Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid for participating. Their projects and dedication to spreading the Olympic values throughout their countries and beyond has been outstanding. Despite not being elected today, these cities have all seen the benefit of being candidates for the Games. I would like to congratulate them all for their efforts and for their commitment to the Olympic Movement.”

Results:

ROUND 1 :
MADRID:                                  28
RIO DE JANEIRO:                  26
TOKYO:                                    22
CHICAGO:                               18

ROUND 2:
RIO DE JANEIRO:                  46
MADRID:                                   29
TOKYO:                                     20

ROUND 3:
RIO DE JANEIRO:                   66
MADRID:                                   32

United Airlines charter flight will display colorful Chicago 2016 logo

Chicago 2016 announced that it has teamed with United Airlines to charter a flight to Copenhagen, Denmark, for the final presentation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Boeing 747 will feature the Chicago 2016 logo and will be filled with hundreds of supporters en route to Copenhagen where the IOC will select the Host City for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“With just seven days to go until the final decision, we appreciate everyone’s support and are honored that so many Chicagoans are traveling with us to Copenhagen for the big day,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. “It is the enthusiasm of everyone in Chicago that makes this time in Chicago’s history so exciting. We thank United Airlines for being such a valuable partner in our efforts.”

Chicago 2016 will have a strong presence in Copenhagen for the historic event. On board the United Airlines flight will be Chicago 2016 committee members, supporters, athletes, media, staff and others. Chicago 2016 sold packages, including travel, accommodations and cultural events, for those wishing to attend to show their support for Chicago’s bid.

Members of the Chicago 2016 delegation will make the final presentation to the IOC on the morning of October 2, with the Host City announcement following later that evening.

“As Chicago’s hometown airline and official airline of the US Olympic and Paralympic Teams, United is proud to support Chicago’s and the U.S. bid for the 2016 Games, and be a partner in this historic event,” said Glenn Tilton, chairman, president and CEO of United Airlines. “We are very pleased that our flight crews, our customer service and ramp employees, and all of the other employees get to be a part of this momentous flight.”

Chicago 2016

Chicago 2016 is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago. The committee’s board consists of business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as the organization’s chairman and CEO.

Mayor Richard M. Daley, Alderman Michelle Harris (8th) and State Representative Marlow Colvin (22nd) joined the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), Chicago 2016, Allstate, the Chicago Park District and members of the Jesse Owens family to dedicate a new field house and Olympic-themed playground at Jesse Owens Park, 8800 S. Clyde, on the city’s South Side.

“Two weeks from today the International Olympic Committee will select the next host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Mayor Daley. “That’s why today, with great excitement, we are celebrating Jesse Owens’ impact to our city and to the Olympic Movement by dedicating this Olympic-themed playground and new field house in his honor.”

Jesse Owens won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany. He first gained national attention in Chicago in 1933, when he equaled the world 100-yard dash record in the National High School Championship meet. “Throughout his life, he embodied the commitment of the Olympic Movement to young people, and Chicago keeps his memory alive not only with this park where young people play, compete and learn the values of sport, but also at the Jesse Owens Community Academy where young people learn,” said Mayor Daley.

Plans for the new fully accessible playground were announced by Allstate and the USOC in 2008, during the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Chicago. The playground not only serves as a fun and safe place to play for local children and future Olympians and Paralympians, but also as a symbol of commitment to enhancing Chicago-area communities.

“The ‘Little Hands’ Playground is the first Olympic-themed playground in our city,” said Mayor Daley. “I’d like to thank Allstate for this state-of-the-art facility and for its commitment to promoting the Olympic Movement and enhancing our neighborhoods.”

The playground features competition stations throughout the playground with Olympic-inspired artwork by Chicago Art Group, a spray pool, Olympic medallions referencing important statistical Olympic records, a track-themed pathway bordering the playground, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility.

“Allstate is committed to improving Chicago’s neighborhoods and our longstanding alliance with the City of Chicago and the USOC has allowed us to leave this physical Olympic legacy for the City of Chicago,” said Alice Byrne, Allstate Field Vice President Midwest Region. “It is our hope that the ‘Little Hands’ Playground will provide a healthy and safe environment for children to play and envision their own Olympic dreams.”

The field house features a competition-sized gymnasium, fitness and club rooms, locker rooms, administrative support offices, central air conditioning, and is fully ADA accessible. The building was designed to achieve a Silver rating under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating System. Some of green elements of the building include a green roof, efficient lighting systems and a reflective roof and paving, which contributes less urban heat island effect.

Funds for the 18,500-square-foot field house were provided with $3.5 million from Representative Colvin, $3.2 million from Alderman Harris and City of Chicago tax increment financing (TIF) funds, and $3 million from proceeds from the Chicago Park District’s lease of its parking garages.

“This is a banner day for us,” said Parks Superintendent Tim Mitchell. “In these tough economic times, the Chicago Park District could not afford to bring projects like these to deserving communities alone. Thanks to the public-private partnership that has brought together City of Chicago TIF funds, State Rep Colvin’s member initiative funds, and a private donation from the Allstate Foundation and the USOC; we realize more than $9 million dollars in improvements to this park.”

“Allstate has been a longtime, supportive partner to the USOC and has shown a tremendous commitment to the Olympic Movement,” said USOC Acting Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Streeter. “Through programs like the ‘Little Hands’ Playgrounds, Allstate is spreading the Olympic spirit and active living opportunities to youth in Chicago. This playground is a shining example of the legacy of the Chicago 2016 bid, just as it’s a vision of the legacy the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games will leave for the youth of Chicago. The USOC extends our gratitude to Allstate and the City of Chicago for all they are doing to spread the Olympic spirit and to help make Chicago a true ‘playground of sport.’” With the announcement of the Host City for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games two weeks away, the opening of the playground and new field house is the latest catalyst to support Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Games.

Also in attendance at the dedication were Chicago Park District Superintendent Tim Mitchell, Allstate Regional Vice President Alice Byrne, USOC Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Baird, Board Chair, Chicago Park District Bob Pickens, Board President of the Chicago Park District Gery Chico, Public Building Commission Executive Director Erin Lavin, Director of Paralympic Sport and Accessibility for Chicago for Chicago 2016 Linda Mastandrea, Olympian Dian Simpson (Gymnastics 1988), Olympian Willie May (Athletics, 1960), Ann Swisshelm, Olympian (Curling 2002) and members of the Jesse Owens family.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their contributions for helping to make this new and improved park a reality,” said Mayor Daley. “This refurbished park is a good example of the private and public sector working to benefit our city.”

Source: Allstate

With the much-anticipated October announcement of the winning host city for the 2016 Summer Olympics, ORC Worldwide surveyed prices of goods and services in each candidate city – Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo – and compared them to London, the host of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Rio appears to be the most attractive option from a cost perspective - it’s 18 percent less costly than London, followed by Chicago (11 percent) and Madrid (3 percent). In Tokyo, well-known as expensive, prices are 42 percent higher than London. ORC’s pricing agents compile data on a representative market basket of nearly 200 items in more than 300 cities worldwide.

How do the costs for wining and dining stack up? “Although the bill for a restaurant meal with a nice bottle of wine doesn’t vary widely across the different locations, Chicago and Rio are slightly less expensive than London, with Madrid and Tokyo at least 18 percent more expensive,” according to Siobhan Cummins, managing director of ORC’s Europe/Middle East/Africa operations. “Celebrating a gold medal with a glass of beer is currently the most affordable in Rio, or perhaps Madrid, but beer in Tokyo and Chicago is more expensive than in a London pub.”

If traveling to London for the 2012 Olympics, one might find a price break for meals early in the day by purchasing breakfast cereals. Although you might pay more than 5 pounds sterling (GBP) in Tokyo, 3 GBP in Chicago, or 2 GBP in Madrid, cereals in London average 1.55 GBP. “So, you can at least get a good start to your London day,” Cummins adds.

The cost of getting around to those Olympic venues in London – especially by taxi – is expensive compared to the others. But if you opt for a bus or underground, Rio is by far the cheapest, followed by Chicago.

Is there an Olympic effect? Reviewing the price changes in the last two Summer Olympics cities, ORC found a 15 percent increase in Beijing prices in the year of the Olympics and a continued sharp rise this year. “However, we saw little effect on prices in Athens,” Cummins explains. “This finding suggests that perhaps the Beijing changes were due to significant growth in the economy, accelerated by the Olympics. It will be interesting to see how London fares in the run up to the 2012 games and beyond.”

Exchange rates play a major role in determining whether or not a location is expensive. For example, although hotel costs in Beijing have dropped steadily since 2007, the yuan gained significantly against the pound in 2008. “Staying in Beijing was pricier for U.K. visitors during the Olympics. At the same time, Beijing prices were rising. As the exchange rate went against the pound, the British celebrating their medals found a significant hole in their pockets,” according to Cummins. On the other hand, during the Athens games, the pound was at a high against the euro, which made Athens much more affordable for London fans.

If the International Olympic Committee factors in local prices when selecting the 2016 host city, Rio and Chicago are strong candidates from a cost perspective. But 2016 is seven years away, and there will be many influences on prices between now and then. In the meantime – London 2012!

Source: ORC Worldwide

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced an extension to its current partnership with Atos Origin through to 2016, including the XXII Olympic Winter Games (2014) in Sochi, Russia, and the Games of the XXXI Olympiad (2016).

Phelps Invites Americans to Join Him in First Live Video Chat since Returning from Beijing

On Wednesday, September 3, 14-time Olympic gold medalist and Chicago 2016 committee member Michael Phelps will be in Chicago to share his Beijing Olympic experiences with the public via a live-streaming video interview and Web chat. In his first live Web appearance since winning his 14th career Olympic gold medal, Phelps will participate in a real-time discussion with viewers on the Chicago 2016 Channel (http://www.chicago2016channel.com/) about the Beijing Games as well as the prospect of bringing the Olympic Games to Chicago in 2016.

“I’m excited to be able to share my experiences in Beijing with the public on the Chicago 2016 Channel,” said Phelps. “I invite everyone to join me online to chat about the incredible experience of the Beijing Games and what it would mean to have Chicago host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

“There is no more suitable person to help inspire Americans about the Olympic experience and ideals than our own history-making Olympic champion Michael Phelps,” said Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan. “We appreciate Michael sharing his Olympic experiences with us and welcome his insights and leadership into how the Games can return to the United States in 2016.”

The new Chicago 2016 Channel hosts the “Why Chicago” video challenge and provides an opportunity for all supporters of Chicago’s Olympic bid to express themselves and become part of the effort. It is home to a variety of content submitted by bid supporters, as well as custom content produced by a cross-section of rising stars from Chicago’s creative community. The Chicago 2016 Channel is continually updated with bid-related videos, blogs and podcasts.

About Chicago 2016

Chicago 2016 is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago. The committee’s board consists of business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as the organization’s chairman and CEO.

Source: Chicago 2016