Decision Day in Copenhagen

Chicago opened the day of final presentations to the IOC, with hundreds of Chicago 2016 delegates present. Pat Ryan (chair of the Chicago 2016 bid committee) welcomed IOC members with an engaging and informative speech, highlighting the very best our city has to offer as host of the Summer Olympics in 2016.

Gaining energy as it progressed, the presentation continued with breathtaking movies about multicultural Chicago, and speeches by Chicago Olympians, Mayor Daley, Michelle Obama and President Obama.

Mrs. Obama shared her personal story of growing up in Chicago and raising her family, including a heart-touching account of sharing the power of sports - especially the Olympics - with her father, who fell ill with MS in his 30s. She recalled sitting on his lap cheering on the Olympians as one of her best memories.

In his much-anticipated speech, President Obama not only confirmed the commitment to provide the most memorable experience for the Olympics, but also spoke of America’s openness to the world. He called Chicago the “most American of American cities” with a “rich tapestry” of diversity.

Three other candidate cities are presenting today, with the decision just hours away!

Meanwhile, back in Chicago the Daley Plaza has been filled with Olympic supporters, many wearing orange Chicago 2016 T-shirts. Elizaveta Efimova attended the rally, sharing in the crowd's eager anticipation and high energy as the announcement time approached.