On Sunday, members of the International Olympics Committee continued their evaluation of Chicago’s bid to win the 2016 Games as they toured proposed Olympic venue sites.
On Sunday, members of the International Olympics Committee continued their evaluation of Chicago’s bid to win the 2016 Games as they toured proposed Olympic venue sites. The IOC first toured the former campus of Michael Reese Hospital & Medical Center, 2929 S. Ellis Ave., which closed in December and is the proposed site for the Olympic Village. But rather than walk around and see the campus, members were taken to an undisclosed high-rise building for an aerial view, said Patrick Sandusky, a spokesman for the city’s Olympics committee, Chicago 2016. The Olympic Village would house athletes during the Games, and once built, would have a private access to 31st Street beach for them. The tour also included viewing Washington Park on the South Side where the Olympic stadium would be built. The marching band at King College Preparatory High School played music to greet members as they arrived. Aldermen Toni Preckwinkle (2nd), Pat Dowell (3rd) and Leslie Hairston (5th) were also on hand to greet members. All three aldermen have been working together to finalize an ordinance that would guarantee such things as contracts and housing for minorities and communities affected by the Olympics. One Olympics supporter who was at Washington Park said she came out because it was a time to show the world that Chicago is a great city and that there is plenty of love here among residents. “I came here today to show the Olympics Committee that I support Chicago’s bid and to show them that we Chicagoans love our city and want to share our love with the Olympics,” said Sheila Clay, 60, a Hyde Park resident. “After all, that is what Chicago’s bid is all about: The love of the Games.” The daylong tour included visits to McCormick Place, the North Side–to a proposed tennis site and the United Center. ______ Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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