A Cubs' W sign is discarded in Daley Plaza. (Photo by Poppy Peterson)
By Caitlin Hacker and Manuel Argueta
Chicago may have lost the bid for the 2016 Olympic Games but the spirits of many interviewed at Daley Plaza on Friday were still high.
Daley Plaza was packed with people who had high hopes that the city of Chicago would represent the world for the future olympic games. Native Chicagoans, tourists and hopeful athletes gathered to support the city and to hear the International Olympic Committee’s announcement of the host city for the 2016 Games.
Police Sergeant O’Connor, who was working near the Plaza said, “It would be great for our city. Chicago is an international city and the Olympics are international games.”
O’Connor also said that having the games in Chicago would be great for providing jobs in construction.
People held up signs reading “It’s Gonna Happen!” — a slogan borrowed from the Chicago Cubs’ ill-fated 2007 and 2008 playoff runs — and sported bright orange T-shirts reading “let friendship shine.”
As two large video screens documented the developments in the voting process in Copenhagen, the city of Chicago was anxiously awaiting the announcement. The Daley Plaza fountain poured orange water and signs saying “Imagine” and “Back the Bid” hung from surrounding buildings.
At 10:10 a.m., the candidate cities were assigned numbers. Tokyo was number eight, Madrid number nine, Chicago number four and Rio De Janeiro number seven. Shortly after this announcement, Chicago learned that it was eliminated in the first round and lost the chance to host the games.
Many who gathered at Daley Plaza said they were heartbroken and in disbelief that Chicago had already been eliminated from the running. With no protestors around, the supporters for Chicago still waved signs and cheered for the city.
Construction worker Irv Rolon of Chicago wanted the Games here.
“I have a son who is a swimmer who wants to try out for the Olympics so it would have been great to have them here,” said Rolon, who added that his job opportunities would have increased.
Some people interviewed blamed protestors for Chicago’s loss.
Laura Fitoussi of Paris said, “I think that what had an affect was that the people of Chicago didn’t really care about the games. The fact that people have been burning the 2016 flag is what everyone has been saying.”
Fitoussi has been living in Chicago for four years and says she’s “shocked and numb” that Chicago was eliminated so early.
