By Tom McClimon
July 14, 2008

Stating that the Olympic Games will showcase the "innovative spirit of America’s cities to the world," Conference of Mayors Past President Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley asked for the nation’s mayors support in securing the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Declaring: "It’s not just Chicago’s bid. The Olympic Games are for all of us," Daley called for mayors to assist in his city’s efforts by talking his city’s bid with meetings of foreign dignitaries; engaging sister cities programs; contacting local past and current Olympians; and promoting Chicago’s bid at local airports. The mayor offered the assistance of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee through a 2016 Help Desk, a 2016 Tool kit, 2016 materials and signs, and assistance in arranging Olympians to speak at local events.

"Chicago’s Olympic bid demonstrates a passion for sports, the environment and education," stated Daley. "Chicago’s bid presents cities and the nation with a unique opportunity to attract thousands of visitors and to place ourselves in millions of homes across the world. Securing the Olympic Games will allow us to present our nation as it really is, as a place people come from all over the world to live and work together to achieve their dreams."

Chicago is one of four finalist cities to host the Summer 2016 Olympic and Parlympic Games. The other cities are: Madrid. Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro. The final selection will be made in October 2019.

The Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution in support of Chicago’s bid at the 75th Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. A Conference Task Force composed of mayors and business executives will be established to assist in the city’s bid.