Statement from Governor Pat Quinn on the International Olympic Committee's Decision for the 2016 Summer Olympics

CHICAGO – October 2, 2009. The Governor issued the following statement:

“I want to congratulate Rio de Janeiro for their selection as the site of 2016 Summer Olympic Games. While I am disappointed that the City of Chicago was not selected, I know that Rio de Janeiro will serve as an excellent host city.

While we are understandably disappointed, we should not be discouraged by today’s outcome. Chicago’s bid was a great example of effort, energy and teamwork. People from across our state came together in an unprecedented manner to support this excellent bid. Going forward, we must apply what was learned from this process and continue to make Chicago and Illinois even stronger and better.

I want to thank President Barack Obama, Mayor Richard Daley, everyone at Chicago 2016 and the U.S. Olympic Committee for their leadership and tireless dedication to Chicago’s historic bid for the Olympic Games.”