Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016, said "We congratulate and thank the International Olympic Committee Evaluation Commission for its report and the thorough analysis it conducted of all four cities. We are honored to have had the opportunity to demonstrate that we will be an outstanding partner in listening to the IOC and following its direction.
"In reviewing the report, we are particularly gratified to see that the Evaluation Commission recognizes our vision and overall concept for hosting the Games and that we will deliver a spectacular sport experience for the athletes of the world, 'turning the centre of the city into an Olympic playground.' The report also reaffirms that our Games venue plan aligns with recommendations made by the IOC Games Study Commission and will leave a 'sustainable urban, sport, social and environmental legacy for the community.'
"We are also pleased the Evaluation Commission found our plan to be technically sound and achievable, and noted the strengths of our bid in areas such as the Olympic Village, Security, Accommodations and Medical Services. We are gratified to see that the Evaluation Commission came to the same conclusion as the Civic Federation of Chicago regarding the soundness and achievability of our Games budget.
"Every step of the way, the IOC has pushed us to be an even better, stronger bid, and we have continually taken their guidance and made improvements. Points were raised in our April discussions with the Evaluation Commission and we've sought to address and resolve their concerns on each issue.
- We received confirmation from the IOC that it has accepted our proposed Joint Marketing Programme Agreement (JMPA) structure.
- We're in the final stage of securing the necessary governmental approval to sign the standard Host City Contract in Copenhagen.
- Regarding the structure of the Organizing Committee, we recognize the IOC's desire to have a singular authority designated for the delivery of the Games. The management team that the Chicago Civic Federation applauded for its development of this bid is the team that will deliver it and I will remain as chairman and CEO.
- As we have noted in our transportation discussions for the last three years, the Olympic Games have historically served as a stimulus to accelerate transportation infrastructure improvements for the host city. These improvements, complete in time for the Games, would be one of the great long term benefits of hosting a Games in Chicago.
- In addition, more than $12B worth of infrastructure improvements has been allocated for Chicago irrespective of the Games.
"While, understandably, there is a great deal of focus on which city will win on October 2, it is important to recognize that this process -- and the manner by which it has been directed by the IOC – has already produced winners. The Olympic Movement has won; the International Federations and the National Olympic Committees have won; and most importantly, the athletes of the world have won."
