Representatives from Chicago 2016 and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley will be in Athens Greece to participate in the 2008 SportAccord conference June 2-6, where the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will announce the shortlist of Candidate Cities for the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The annual international sports convention will have representatives from 100 international Sports Federations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board in attendance, discussing the key issues facing the sports industry. Others attending include sponsors, bid and host cities, architects, sports lawyers, broadcasters, Games organizing committees, rights holders and other specialists.
In a media release Chicago Mayor Daley said, “on behalf of the City of Chicago we are honoured to represent the United States at SportAccord. This meeting is a great opportunity to showcase Chicago, advance the Olympic movement, and, if we are honoured to be selected as a Candidate City, proceed with our bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games”.
Patrick Ryan, Chicago 2016 bid chairman and CEO said, “SportAccord is an excellent opportunity for the Chicago 2016 bid team to continue learning about international sport, develop relationships with other leaders, and cultivate ideas to create a strong legacy of sport. We enthusiastically anticipate the announcement of Candidate Cities and will be privileged should Chicago be included on the list”.
