Live Blog: The Final 2016 Presentation
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Oct 2, 2009 6:30AM
Good morning, Chicago. We're awaiting the start of Chicago 2016's final presentation before the International Olympic Committee. You can follow along at the official Olympics website or watch the presentation live on any of the main network affiliates or their websites. We'll hit the highlights below.
3:15 a.m.: We're done with the live blog. We'll do our best to follow the other city bids but will be back in a few hours with more coverage including live updates from the rally at Daley Plaza.
3:00 a.m.: Notably absent from the presentation: references to the professional sports teams of the city. Given the Dream Teams and the passion of the city's fans, kind of surprising.
2:55 a.m.: Highlights - both Obamas. Mayor Daley wasn't bad, either. Lowlight - anything involving Pat Ryan.
2:52 a.m.: And that's a wrap for Chicago 2016. They receive a diploma for completing the presentation.
2:49 a.m.: Question in regards to the influx of visitors: Healey says the bid is working with the State Dept. and getting full cooperation with federal government. Obama: "Putting the full force of the White House and the state department [behind the Games."
2:45 a.m.: As to the legacy question, Ctvrtlik says he wants to make it a "city-wide celebration" and "put the fun back in the Games." He says the parks will help do that.
2:43 a.m.: Arnot says a day village will be at the shooting venue due to it's distance from the city.
2:41 a.m.: Arnot addresses question of satellite village for cyclists near the University of Wisconsin. Will the conditions be the same? He says yes, "will have all the amenities of the village in Chicago." Lori Healey says the land has been purchased already.
2:38 a.m.: Questions are in regard to satellite venues and changes between bid documents and the updated game plans. And a question of what is the most important legacy.
2:37 a.m.: And into the Q&A! No one wants to ask any questions? Really?
2:36 a.m. "If we walk this path together, I promise you ... the City of Chicago and America will make the world proud."
2:35 a.m.: Obama mentions the 2004 election and is bringing it back home. Can't keep up with his solid speech. "Nothing I would like more than to step a few blocks from our home with Michelle and the girls and welcome the world to our neighborhood."
2:33 a.m.: "We stand at a moment in history when the fate of each nation is ... linked to the fate of all nations."
2:31 a.m.: Obama on Chicago: "A bustling metropolis with the warmth of a small town." Solid speech thus far from Obama.
2:29 a.m.: Obama name-checking different neighborhoods to promote Chicago's melting pot but also it's unity. "Chicago is a place we strive to celebrate what makes us different as we celebrate what we have become."
2:28 a.m.: Obama: "[The Olympics] are a high honor and a great responsibility."
2:27 a.m.: And here comes Barack.
2:25 a.m.: "It's about inspiring this generation and building a lasting legacy for the next."
2:23 a.m.: Michelle: "I'm asking you to choose Chicago, I'm asking you to choose America...I'm also asking as a daughter. My dad would have been so proud to see these games in Chicago." She launches into a moving story about her father, his battle with MS, and his inspiring her and her brother in sports.
2:21 a.m.: Finally! Michelle up to the mic. She mentions growing up on the South Side and is now talking of the importance of sports and past Olympic athletes. "I never dreamed the Olympic flame might one day light up lives in my neighborhood."
2:20 a.m.: Guessing they're holding the Obamas for the big finish. Probably a smart move. Wondering if the other bids will be this video-heavy?
2:18 a.m.: Hey! Another video, this one featuring our pal Tracy Rollins!
2:15 a.m.: Bob Ctvrtlik is excited. No, really. He's said the word "excited" multiple times right away. He's pitching the training facilities for visiting athletes. And he got a word from Google to, yes, reach the "young people."
2:13 a.m.: Arnot: "Concrete and steel do not build sport. People build sport....Hope and opportunity will be our greatest legacy." He speaks impressive French.
2:10 a.m.: As canned as that part of the presentation was, at least Clay and Mastandaria pulled it off. Do not let Ryan near a camera for the rest of your 45 minutes. And now here is Doug Arnot to discuss the legacy of the games.
2:07 a.m.: Decathlete Brian Clay and paralympian Linda Mastandaria are pitching the Olympic Village's convenience.
2:05 a.m.: Ryan is weak. And they follow him with another montage backed by...U2??? Really? You couldn't find a Chicago-based band to soundtrack the promo videos? And playing "Where The Streets Have No Name" isn't the best choice.
2:03 a.m.: There's a focus on young people. Ryan is now pitching technology and young people. "No U.S. bid city has ever had such unified support. Local, state, and national government." We're sure having a hometown President doesn't hurt.
2:01 a.m.: And it's Chicago 2016 CEO Pat Ryan's turn. He's citing the area colleges, including Notre Dame and University of Illinois. Daley was firey but Ryan seems wooden.
1:59 a.m.: This video is all about the kids.
1:57 a.m.: Daley: "They [the people of Chicago] all want the Games in Chicago." And now another video.
1:56 a.m.: Mayor Daley gettin' emphatic! "We don't just talk about what we'll do. We'll deliver."
1:55 a.m.: Daley cites the Owens/Metcalfe story again. And now he's launching into the goals the city has achieved in his 20 years as mayor.
1:53 a.m.: "We stand ready for every obligation, every commitment." And here comes Mayor Daley.
1:52 a.m. - The short video seemed standard tourism stuff. Now the USOC president Larry Probst steps to the podium to promise a new "foundation of friendship and trust" with the IOC.
1:49 a.m. - And we're underway! "A remarkable city that has limit possibilities and loves to have fun!" Sounds like the city we know!" And into a video presentation featuring Buddy Guy (?).
1:30 a.m. - We'll get underway in 15-20 minutes.