Stunner! No Games for Chicago in 2016

Shocker in Copenhagen. While thousands waited and watched in Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago, the IOC announced that Chicago was removed from the voting after the first round in the selection process for the 2016 Summer Olympics. The crowd gasped and stood confused wondering what happened. Media reported Chicago slightly in the lead, analysts were calling it neck and neck between Chicago and Rio de Janeiro, and many had written off Tokyo and Madrid as even having a shot at the Games.

I can't help but wonder if all of our hype caused Chicago's demise as a choice. The Obamas flying to Copenhagen to voice their support, Oprah Winfrey praising the city, newscasters flying in from New York to broadcast live from Chicago in hopes that they'd have happy news to report by evening. Hmm, so many questions since the Windy City was eliminated in the first round. Apparently it can come down to one vote and a city could be gone from the next round of voting by barely falling short. Let the news unfold... Posted by Kate

T-Minus 10 Days...Are You For Chicago 2016?

October 2 is creeping up on the calendar faster than we know it. While in most years that date would seem pretty insignificant unless it was marked by a birthday or anniversary, but this year, especially for those of us living in the Windy City, it marks a special announcement. And the end to years worth of campaigning, planning, plotting and presenting. Will Chicago host the Olympic Games in 2016?

The International Olympic Committee announces its decision on October 2 from Copenhagen, Denmark. They're choosing between Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, all of which have been involved marred by bad news at some point during the selection process that could have ruined its chances. And all of which have people for or against the vote. Take Chicago where some locals not backing the bid at home are urging for Rio to get the Games. Or look at the online betting sites where odds are circling over which city gains the greater chance of being named.

In Chicago, the word on the street is that President Obama needs to go to Copenhagen to voice his support of holding the Games in Chicago for his presidential pull and Chicago connection. And the big news yesterday was that Obama was indeed planning to travel to Copenhagen for the October 2 announcement, as rumor had it that Chicago wouldn't get the Games unless Obama made an appearance. Now he's saying he wants to go, while others make a case for Michelle Obama being able to represent her husband just as well especially since she's the Chicago native. For now it's just wait and see for what pans out over October 2.

But in the meantime the all important question is who do you predict will host the 2016 Olympics? Make your vote known and feel free to share any opinions in the comments.

poll by twiigs.com

Posted by Kate

Olympics' Judgment Time

Could Chicago be host to the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games? That's the news around town as the selection committee lands in the Windy City to evaluate its potential as host to the largest gathering of sports. The IOC doesn't make an official announcement until six months from now on October 2 but they have yet to view the other competitors, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. And Chicago wants to put its best foot forward and leave a lasting first impression to topple the other cities.

We're on our best behavior too, at least according to one news reporter (I wish I remembered what station I was watching when I overheard this). As for what that means I can only surmise that the CTA will be running on time since one of the selling points to holding the Games in Chicago is that spectators can use public transportation to travel between venues, the El trains were fumigated to remove the urine stench one often encounters, Mayor Daley had an excuse to "greenify" more of the city, the massive craters on the pavement were finally taken care of--at least those on the tour route. And after checking out a slideshow at the Chicago Tribune, that's exactly what city officials have been doing to prepare for putting the city centerstage. Buildings have been painted, greenery abounds, city lamps boast signs pronouncing the Games, banners hang at bus terminals and below bridges, decorative lights illuminate the Wrigley Building and the Michigan Avenue Bridge towers, the leaves from Douglas Park (proposed venue for cycling) have been raked up, and other potential Olympic venues are going for gold with an extra-care cleaning.

While the city is spruced up, you can't help but hope for good weather too. Sunny days with warm temperatures also make a good selling point, with runners and cyclists dotting the Lakefront, sailboats on the water and a smile on nearly every Chicagoan's face. That sold me on Windy City living more than eight years ago and it definitely paints a pretty picture for Chicago. Now hopefully the IOC will see something they like and can overlook some of the news that's tainted our city in the past few months like former Governor Rod Blagojevich and the appointment of Ronald Burris. For the next six days, we're all about letting friendship shine, the motto for the Chicago 2016 committee. Photo grabbed from goodlogo.com. Posted by Kate