CHICAGO — Understanding that dealing with health-care reform, economic recovery and Afghanistan may leave little spare time for President Barack Obama, the leadership of the U.S. Olympic Committee remains hopeful the longtime Chicago resident can make time for a quick trip to Denmark in October.
The International Olympic Committee will decide on Oct. 2 whether Chicago, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo or Madrid will host the 2016 Summer Games.
“I think we have all very clearly communicated to the White House that we think President Obama’s presence would greatly assist the (Chicago) bid,” said USOC chairman Larry Probst. “That’s obviously a decision they need to make in the White House, depending on his schedule. I can’t provide any update, but we sure would like to have him with us.”
Chicago’s chances may have improved Wednesday when the city council voted 49-0 to guarantee the IOC against revenue shortfalls for the Games. The city’s rivals have guarantees from national governments, something Washington traditionally doesn’t do.
“We would love for him to be there and we think it will make a difference,” said acting chief executive Stephanie Streeter. “We’ve made that clear to him through his White House staff.”
John Meyer: 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com
