Prospective 2016 Olympic Hosts Present to the IOC

The four cities, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, Tokyo and Chicago, bidding to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, presented their bids to the General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees in Istanbul Turkey on Friday (source: Gamesbids.com).

The language used by the prospective hosts is certainly a sign of the times, with a strong focus on safety, financial responsibility and sustainability key themes:


"Carlos Nuzman, President of the Brazilian Olympic Committee, and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) spoke on behalf of Rio. He said, "Rio is a passionate city. Its natural beauty, diversity and energy will provide an incredible stage for the Games. The venues will be full and the celebration will flow into the streets. The excitement will be contagious - whether you are at an event or watching on television. And the world will unite to celebrate a shared humanity"."

"Madrid's Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon highlighted the security behind Madrid's bid. He said, "in these times of financial instability throughout the world Madrid offers reliability. He said this economic and institutional reliability has already seen the Madrid bid working with "the support of government, political parties, unions, firms and especially our Royal Family. And above all, the Spanish public of whom 93 per cent have expressed their backing for the Games to be in their capital". "

"Tokyo 2016 outlined its vision to stage the "most compact and sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games ever", with the benefit of "completely robust finances, regardless of the global economic situation"."
 
"Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan said during Chicago's presentation, "the EOC presentation is critical to our bid in terms of communicating our vision for the Games and gaining feedback on our bid plan. As we move into the final months before the Candidature File is due, the insight we capture from leaders of sport is of utmost importance". "

Chicago, understandably, also wheeled out President-elect Barack Obama (on video) who said  "the United States would be honoured to have the opportunity to host the Games and serve the Olympic movement. As president elect I see the Olympics and Paralympic Games as an opportunity for our nation to reach out, welcome the world to our shores, and strengthen our friendships across the globe".

The host will be decided in October 2009.

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Rob Robson
Co-founder, iStadia.com