Contact: Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Games Would Bring Business, Tourism to Wisconsin
Governor Jim Doyle today sent a letter to Peter Ueberroth, Chairman of the United States Olympic Committee, in support of the Chicago region’s effort to host the Olympic Games in 2016.
Governor Doyle wrote: “In Wisconsin, we have a friendly sports rivalry with our neighbors to the South, but we stand united with them in this effort to bring the Olympic torch to our region. I support Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Games – not only because of the Midwest’s demonstrated ability to host world-renowned events and welcome international visitors, but more importantly, because our entire region truly embodies the Olympic spirit.”
The U.S. Olympic Committee is currently considering proposals from Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to serve as the U.S. bid for the 2016 Summer Games. It has requested that each city submit certain information to the Committee by June 21, 2006. The U.S. Olympic Committee has not set a deadline for deciding which city, if any, to submit to the International Olympic Committee as the U.S. bid for Host City.
Governor Doyle said having the Olympic Games in Chicago would benefit the entire region, allowing Wisconsin hotels, businesses, tourist destinations, and sporting facilities to benefit from a spill-over effect into the state.
“This could bring major benefits not only for Chicago’s economy, but also for Wisconsin as the region hosts the games,” Governor Doyle said. “Increasingly, we need to be working in partnership to promote regional economic development opportunities and this is a classic example. Not only would the games bring billions of dollars in business to the region, it would put Illinois and Wisconsin on display for the entire world.”
The Host City of the 2016 Olympic Games will be chosen by the International Olympic Committee at a meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2009.
A copy of the letter is available at: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=8609.
