With “one small step for Houston, one giant leap for the Olympic Games” Houston 2012 hopes to become the U.S. candidate for the 2012 Summer Games.
At a press conference Tuesday, Houston 2012 Foundation officials announced a stepped-up Astrodome renovation plan that would convert the stadium into the world’s first full-scale enclosed track and field arena, should it be selected the U.S. candidate.
USOC committee members will visit the city July 12 and 13 and Susan Bandy, president of Houston 2012, said, “there is a lot more interest in the selection process now. We are timing this to keep Houston in the minds of those who will be making that selection.”
Under the foundation’s plan, the Astrodome would be converted at a cost of $87 million into the world’s first full-scale indoor track and field stadium.
Bandy said if the IOC selects Houston in 2005, “we will immediately put it up for contract and will have it finished in 2007. That will give us five years of track and field prior to the Olympics”.
Meanwhile, according to three reports, Houston has been named one of the “Best Places to Live and Work in America”; a finalist for most accessible city in the United States for people with disabilities; and as one of the most “creative” cities in America.
Bandy said, “our accessibility and our commitment to the participation and comfort of athletes with disabilities are key components of our Paralympic Bid. Our Paralympic plans are without equal in terms of the commitment, creativity and people behind them; they will be a true jewel of the 2012 Olympic experience in Houston”.
She added. “these accolades are wonderful and they highlight some of the same strengths of our city we have been touting as part of the Olympic bid process. We are the one city with the people, the infrastructure and the talent to bring the Olympic Games back to the United States and host a truly amazing event the world will be proud of”.
