News Release
Chicago 2016 Hails Success of USOC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Approximately $5 million raised for Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games as nearly 3,600 attend sold-out event at McCormick Place
CHICAGO (August 12, 2009)—The U.S. Olympic Committee’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony proved a success in Chicago’s effort to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, raising approximately $5 million for Chicago 2016 and its legacy organization in its “Sprint Through the Finish” campaign.
Nearly 3,600 people attended the sold-out dinner and ceremony at McCormick Place on Wednesday night, filling the banquet hall. Hundreds of prospective ticket purchasers had to be turned away. It was the largest fund-raising event, in terms of attendance, in Chicago 2016’s three-year quest for the Games.
“The Hall of Fame ceremony was a tremendous success,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. “I was gratified by the huge turnout and the continuing display of public support for our bid. The depth of that support has permitted our campaign to be financed entirely by private donations.”
Chicago 2016 has now exceeded its fund-raising goals.
“The USOC and Allstate have played an invaluable role in tonight’s event and we thank them for their generosity and dedication to Chicago’s bid and to the future legacy programs supported by this wonderful event,” said Ryan. “We also extend a sincere congratulations to all of the inductees honored tonight. It was thrilling to have so many athletes in our great city.”
Most of the money raised on Wednesday will be devoted to World Sport Chicago, the legacy organization created by Chicago 2016 to engage young people in sport, promote Olympic values and produce a lasting legacy of Chicago’s bid for the Games. The legacies created by the bid, including World Sport Chicago, represent a critical part of Chicago 2016’s plan.
About 200 youth involved in World Sport Chicago programs and activities lined the blue carpet outside McCormick Place and welcomed the Olympians, Paralympians and guests in attendance. The young people later took seats inside to watch the induction ceremonies honoring storied athletes and USOC leaders.
“World Sport Chicago has already touched the lives of more than 30,000 Chicago kids through sport introduction programs, coaching clinics and other initiatives,” said Bill Scherr, chairman of World Sport Chicago and director of sport for Chicago 2016. “The money raised at the Hall of Fame induction will ensure that the organization can expand its current efforts and reach thousands more youth in the years ahead, whether or not we are fortunate enough to win the 2016 Games.”
The International Olympic Committee will select the Host City on October 2. The other finalists are Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.
The induction ceremony, hosted by Dan Hicks and Summer Sanders, will air on NBC in a nationally televised broadcast on Saturday, September 5, at 2 PM ET.
The ceremony was presented by Allstate Corp. Event co-chairs were Miles White and Jim Farrell.
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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