Beilonchi.com Chicago Bid News And Commentary
The International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) chose Rio - Congratulations Rio!

Chicago 2016 Changes Summer Olympics Venue Plans After USOC Visit

 Beijing London Chicago Association  (Chicago, IL): By the time the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) was wrapping up its evaluation visit of the Windy City, on Wednesday, March 7, 2007, it is easy to imagine the Chicago 2016 Committee, the Patrick Ryan chaired organization in charge of Chicago's Olympic bid, busy unwrapping a new drawing board, or, at least, going back to the old one.

When The USOC Talks Big Shots Listen
The United States Olympic Committee has said, all along, that the city it chooses as the U.S. 2016 Summer Olympic Games candidate, if any, would be the one it feels has the best chance to win the international competition to host the Summer Games in 2016. That sounds sufficiently reasonable to make sense; after all, you bet on the horse you feel will win. What also seems clear is that the Olympic bid package Chicago 2016 met the USOC with this week did not look like a surefire winner to the USOC, at least, not completely. And, in case you are not sure, right now, those are the only eyes that matter to the Chicago 2016 Committee.

Fortifying My Point
Shortly after the United States Olympic Committee wrapped things up, the bid committee changed the proposed 2016 Olympic watersports venue from the University of Illinois at Chicago to the West Side's Douglas Park. Never mind, about your room, Johnny.

According to Doug Arnot, Director Of Sport And Operations for Chicago 2016, the aquatics center's $80 million dollar price tag remains the same. The center would be built next to Collins High school and would consist of several permanent swimming pools and, at least, two temporary pools. In any case, as an Olympic Games venue, the facility will need to be roomy enough to accommodate events such as swimming, of course, diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo.

Just as in the UIC scheme, plans call for the facility to be left, largely, in tact after the 2016 Olympic Summer Games. In the case of Douglas Park, the pools will, it has been suggested, assume the role of a much needed and valuable neighborhood resource after the 2016 games.

The pool facility would, initially, have a roof, but it would have, essentially, no ground level exterior walls. It has been stated that it would be renovated, or transformed, into a completely indoor facility, after the 2016 Summer Games.

Similarly, its 50 meter swimming pool would start its life with a 20,000 seat capacity. After the Olympic Games that capacity would undergo substantial downsizing to about 2,500 seats.

Doug Arnot chimed in, once again, saying, "Our goal has been to leave a legacy for Midwest and national aquatics programs. This facility will be a center for competitive community swimming programs ... enhance USA Swimming's diversity program and position Chicago to host important national and regional competitions."

However, probably, the most telling and "to the point" statement of all, and the most important one to the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid committee, was the one made by USOC Vice President Bob Ctvrtlik. "We feel comfortable with the requested change."

Did I mention who listens when the United States Olympic Committee talks?

This news story is: Chicago Moves Aquatics Venue T1GME

Little Squirt Gag Gift [vintage]
Little Squirt Gag Gift by Commonwealth Products Co. [vintage]


Full Page Articles List

Beijing London Chicago Association™
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This website and its
content is protected by copyright and trademark laws under US and International law.
All Rights Reserved. Copyright Beijing-London-Chicago.com

...