Jesse Owens’ family to deliver book to International Olympic Committee

CHICAGO (February 6, 2009) – Chicago 2016 and students from Jesse Owens Community Academy joined Olympians and Paralympians today to celebrate the submission of Chicago’s Candidature File to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Jesse Owens Community Academy is named for four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Jesse Owens who participated in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. An Olympic legend, Owens was the first American to win four gold medals in track and field at a single Olympic Games. Stuart Owen Rankin, grandson of Owens, will deliver the Candidature File to Lausanne, Switzerland prior to the February 12 deadline.

During a school assembly, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan and United States Olympic Committee (USOC) CEO Jim Scherr addressed the students, and members of Owens’ family took part in the celebration. Three-time Olympian and Gold Medalist Michael Conley—who is also a track and field athlete—emceed the assembly.

To celebrate the completion of the bid book, 17 Olympians and Paralympians—including Owens’ friend and 1936 Olympic teammate Adolph Kiefer—visited classrooms at Jesse Owens Community Academy to share their Olympic and Paralympic experiences and to educate students about the Olympic ideals. Students also created artwork depicting the Chicago Star, which is part of Chicago 2016’s logo, to represent their hopes and dreams of Chicago hosting the Games in 2016. The artwork will be part of the package delivered to the IOC next week.

“The key components of our Olympic plan are to deliver an extraordinary experience for athletes and spectators, inspire our young people through sport, reignite the Olympic Movement in the United States, promote harmony throughout the world and transform Chicago’s urban landscape,” said Mayor Daley. “We couldn’t have come this far without the strong support of the residents of Chicago, and with their continued help we will keep working hard to bring the 2016 Games to Chicago and the United States.”

“The final bid book contains the full extent of Chicago’s plans to provide a spectacular Games experience for the Olympic Family, athletes, spectators and our community,” said Ryan. “It demonstrates our vision for the Games and promises long-term legacies not only for the Olympic Movement, but also for our communities. My thanks goes out to Jesse Owens Community Academy, whose participation and connection to Chicago’s Olympic legacy has helped make this day even more significant.”

The submission of the all-encompassing bid document is an official requirement of all four Candidate Cities that are competing to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The document contains detailed plans regarding Chicago’s bid and is a vital component of the overall bidding process. The next step in the process calls for the IOC Evaluation Commission to visit Chicago April 2–8, 2009.

Note: B-roll containing the bid book process will be available via satellite on February 6 at: http://www.bigshouldersapproval.com/Chicago2016/

1:30 – 1:45 PM CT

Galaxy 3 C

Transponder 21, Downlink 4120 H

B-roll includes:

· Footage of planning and design

· Development of artwork and imagery

· Printing and binding process

· Final packaging and shipping

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About Chicago 2016

Chicago 2016 is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago. The committee’s board consists of business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as the organization’s chairman and CEO.

Contact:
Mica Matsoff
+1.312.861.4826 (Chicago 2016 media line)
media@chicago2016.org