According to IOC Evaluation Commission rules, bid cities may offer only one evening of entertainment during their six-day visit. Chicago went all out to make sure the opportunity was used to it fullest extent. The gala held at Chicago’s famous Art Institute attracted around 100 luminaries in the world of politics, sport and entertainment.
As promised, Oprah Winfrey was the standout guest arriving to the red carpet fashionably late to make her grand entrance. But she made it clear that she wasn’t the star of the evening and had to work to receive the IOC’s trust.
“What I’m hoping is we can have a real, honest conversation about how great this city is and the possibilities it will bring not only for the citizens of Chicago, but the citizens of the world”, Winfrey explained.
Among many guests arriving on the red carpet were Valerie Jarrett, Senior advisor to President Obama; Gymnastic Olympians Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner; blues legend Koko Taylor who was scheduled to perform during the evening; and Bid Chair Patrick Ryan.
“You’ve asked very good questions. You’ve challenged us but it has been a great exchange of ideas and we have had a wonderful opportunity to represent our great city and our plan. I’m very proud of the team. It has just been a great opportunity to be with you and thank you for being with us”, Ryan remarked.
Guests were treated with a stunning view of the Chicago skyline overlooking Millennium Park; the windows of the skycrapers were lit up in a sequence that spelled “Chicago 2016” across the building facades.
Ryan said, “Chicago 2016, you know, the iconic buildings of our skyline — really a statement about how passionate Chicagoans are for your being here to welcome you and to tell you how passionate they are about the Olympic movement, its principles, values, Olympic sports and how they want to host the world here in 2016.”
As guests arrived, a small group of protestors were chanting loudly and waving anti-Olympic signs. Tight security including horse-mounted police and several other officers kept them at bay wihout incident. When Winfrey arrived, they were shouting directly at her.
“It’s huge, it’s enormous, I don’t know what they’re complaining about, it’s only going to be good for everybody” she explained.
Guests dined on sea scallops, black truffle and grilled USDA prime Midwestern strip loin prepared by chef Tony Mantuano. For dessert they enjoyed chocolate “Cloud Gate”.
The evaluation visit wraps up on Tuesday.
