WHEREAS,
Philadelphia competed against Chicago and other American cities to be selected by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as America's finalist to be submitted to the International Olympic Committee as the host city for the XXX (30th ) Olympiad (2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games); and
WHEREAS,
On April 14, 2007, the USOC selected Chicago as its finalist and in response Joe Torsella, Chairman of the Philadelphia Sports Congress' Olympic & International Sports Project stated that Philadelphia is 100% behind Chicago being selected by the US Olympic Committee as the U.S. bid city for the 2016 Games; and
WHEREAS,
On June 4, 2008, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected Chicago, Tokyo, Madrid, and Rio de Janeiro as the final four cities that will compete to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and, on October 2, 2009, the IOC will announce its selection of the host city for the 30th Olympiad; and
WHEREAS,
Philadelphia supports Chicago's proposal to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the spirit, principles, and ideals embodied in the Olympic Charter and the development of community that will result from athletes throughout the world joining together to compete at the 30th Olympiad and respects the Olympic Charter and Host City Contract; and
WHEREAS,
Philadelphia supports Chicago's vision for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in that it celebrates the Olympic Movement's power to unite all humanity and supports its goal of using the 30th Olympiad to create a legacy that will inspire young people to reach for a better life through Olympic and Paralympic sport; and
WHEREAS,
Philadelphia supports Chicago in discouraging ambush marketing and price gouging and making the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games affordable for all and in insuring that any construction work commenced or overseen will comply with local, regional, and national environmental regulations and acts and international agreements and protocols regarding planning, construction, and protection of the environment; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,
That we hereby support the City of Chicago in bringing the 30th Olympiad to the United States.
FURTHER RESOLVED
, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented representatives of Chicago and Chicago 2016 as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End
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