Take a quick moment to back the Chicago 2016 bid!
Hello Friends of Urban Initiatives,
As many of you know, on October 2 the International Olympic Committee will meet in Copenhagen to select the Host City for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Urban Initiatives proudly supports Chicago 2016! As a supporter of Chicago 2016, we invite you to take a quick moment to "Back the Bid."
Using the 'Back the Bid' button, in just one minute you could call your alderman, find out about a community meeting in your area, sign up as a volunteer and supporter or print a fact sheet about Chicago 2016 to share with friends.
Through our direct participation on the soccer field with hundreds of youth in Chicago communities, we realize the positive impact of exposure to and participation in sports on youth development. Beyond the obvious health benefits, engaging children in sports provides a valuable opportunity for personal growth and the development of life skills. While day-to-day program sessions and attending Chicago professional sporting events are invaluable experiences for the children we serve, we believe the Games would deepen our impact on Chicago’s youth.
The Olympics epitomize the power of sports by bringing together athletes motivated by pride from more than 200 nations, and by exemplifying teamwork, sportsmanship, commitment, self-esteem and passion as a celebration of sports. These athletes are heroes in their home countries and powerful role models for our city's youth because they demonstrate the incredible possibilities open to children who set lofty goals for themselves.
In addition to the positive impact Chicago 2016 would have on youth development, here are just a few of the other ways Chicago would benefit from the 2016 Games:
- A $22.5 billion economic stimulus for the city and state that would create the equivalent of 315,000 jobs for one year; $13.7 billion of this activity would be focused in Chicago
- An additional $1 billion from a variety of sources, including sales and amusement taxes, that would help support education, law enforcement and other city services
- A substantial increase in federal funds for roads and mass transit, based on the experiences of Atlanta and Salt Lake City
- By showcasing our lakefront, hotels and cultural institutions to 4 billion worldwide viewers, the Games would bring an additional 3 million international tourists to Chicago each year
- Chicago 2016’s sister organization, World Sport Chicago, has already reached 30,000 youth all over the city through its sport programs, and these efforts will be expanded dramatically if Chicago becomes the 2016 Host City
Back the Bid!
Jim & Dan