Official WindyChat thread for Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Olympics.

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According the Crain's - it's showtime for the Olympics bid as Chicago unveils details of the application to host the 2016 summer Olympics.

See article from yesterday at:

It's showtime for Olympics bid

By the end of June, the International Olympic Committee with pare down the list of potential hosts and Chicago hopes to make the cut.

Chicago 2016 Opens Online Store
Marks the Six-Month Countdown to the Beijing Olympic Games
February 13, 2008

Chicago 2016 -

Today Chicago 2016 marked the six-month countdown to the Beijing Olympic Games with the opening of its online store. The store sells the official merchandise of Chicago 2016, the bid committee seeking the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic Games.

“This marks an exciting day for the City of Chicago and Chicago 2016,” said Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan. “In an Olympic year, people will be able to show their support for our bid by wearing Chicago 2016 apparel.”

The store’s merchandise includes T-shirts, coats, vests and hats available in different colors and sizes. In addition, athletes and fans of the bid will be able to support the bid while exercising along the lakefront in their Chicago 2016 Dri-Fit shirts.

This occasion also marks the first time Chicago 2016 apparel featuring the “Chicago Star” logo is available to the public. The logo was unveiled in 2007 as a unique symbol of Chicago (the star adorns the city’s flag) and was inspired by the ideals and values of the Olympic Movement and the City of Chicago. The six points on the star represent hope, respect, harmony, friendship, excellence and celebration.

Access to the online store is available through the Chicago 2016 Web site (Chicago2016.org).

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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 comprises business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as chairman and CEO. Visit Chicago2016.org to learn more about Chicago 2016 and its bid for the 2016 Games.

Chicago 2016 has engaged XP Apparel to manage the operations of the Chicago 2016 online store.

Here's an example of one of the products you can buy to show support:

The chairman of Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid committee, Patrick Ryan, denies allegations of breaking IOC rules:

Chicago Business News, Analysis & Articles | Chicago 2016 chairman denies violating rules | Crain's

Patrick Ryan says:

“This poll is significant in that it indicates the continued and growing enthusiasm of Chicago area residents for bringing the Games to our city, and it is encouraging to see the continued support by Chicagoans for the Olympic Movement despite the recent controversy. One of Chicago’s greatest strengths is its passionate sports fans . As we move forward with the bidding process, the excitement of our city will be a major asset.”

I'm not sure what recent controversy he is talking about.. maybe the post above ?

Read the full press release here:
Support for Chicago’s Olympic Bid Reaches 84 percent

nice cap..

May 27th, 2008 01:01 PM -

Mayor Daley will fly to Athens, Greece, on Thursday for an Olympic-sized announcement with precious little suspense: Chicago is expected to be named a finalist to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter/fspielman@suntimes.com
Click here to read the article...