The Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa and Barry Sanders, Chairman of the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games (SCCOG), jointly announced Wednesday that the SCCOG has notified the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) in a letter, of its intention to bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Sanders said, “for the entire world, Los Angeles is a city of dreams. This is the place people come to achieve their highest aspirations. The Olympics fit this big, diverse, hopeful city. We want the USOC to know we are eager to bring the Games back to Los Angeles, under the rules they establish. Within those rules we will pursue this with an Olympic determination to succeed”.
The Mayor said, “I am enthusiastic about this opportunity. Los Angeles is proud of its Olympic history. We hosted two of the most successful Olympic Games ever held. We want to be considered again for this great honour, and the city is fortunate to have the SCCOG as its partner”.
Referring to Los Angeles hosting the 1932 and 1984 Games, Sanders said at the announcement Wednesday, “we again will be able to host great Games without any cost to local taxpayers. We also promise a bid that will be distinctive in its approach compared to previous Games”.
